The extension of the workplace testing regime will supply home test kits to companies with over 10 workers where it is not possible to set up testing on-site due to a lack of space or because companies operate across multiple sites.

Construction companies will be eligible to order the home test kits online to distribute to their employees.

Workers can use the lateral flow tests at home to rapidly detect the virus in 30 minutes. Anyone testing positive can then take a more accurate PCR test.

Initially, only businesses with 250 or more employees were eligible to access lateral flow tests. Earlier this month, it was made available to all businesses and this has now been extended to home testing.

Testing levels have risen rapidly across the UK with 8.4m tests carried out last week alone with one in 224 proving positive.

Companies can register here before 12 April in order to access free tests until the end of June, even if they’re not yet open or are not able to start using the tests straight away.

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said: “Mass, rapid workplace testing is an essential pillar of the roadmap for reopening, alongside the vaccine rollout.

“Having the option for staff to test at home will enable more firms to embrace workplace testing, as not all employers will have the space or facilities to run testing programmes on their premises.”