In today's leadership round up we hear from Olvier Tsemo, CEO of SADACCA, as he responds to the budget. The government announces an expansion to the free workplace testing scheme for companies that register before the 31st March.
Olivier Tsemo of SADACCA concerned with lack of budget consultation
Olivier Tsemo is the CEO of Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association (SADACCA) an organisation that aims to be the cultural hub of a socially inclusive space that caters to the needs of people from the African Caribbean communities across the city of Sheffield. Tsemo regularly contributes to the conversation around the Black community interests he represents.
With the budget announcements this week Tsemo said that ‘The Black community is concerned about the lack of consultation on the budget and will advise that future budget proposals should engage our community early to meet our exact needs.’
‘We are happy to engage with the government to propose an approach to the consultation . This will help understand better the needs of the Black community. A community that does not engage in consultation is in our opinion a lost community with a wider trust gap.
Tsemo continues saying ‘The Black community would have welcomed an announcement in the budget for dealing with health inequality or any direct cash to help improve community infrastructures . A Rapid Improvement Plan from the government to demonstrate clear intention to minimise the negative impact of Covid-19 on Black communities is urgently required. This document will bring confidence in this current government’
Hancock announces free rapid tests for all businesses for regular workplace testing
The government previously announced free testing for all companies with over 50 employees this has now been expanded as part of the government’s roadmap to cautiously lift restrictions, meaning businesses of all sizes, including those with fewer than 50 employees, can register from today to order free lateral flow tests for their employees.
Rapid testing detects cases quickly – in under 30 minutes – meaning positive cases can isolate immediately, breaking chains of transmission.
Regular testing could be the difference between a workplace being able to stay open and operational, or needing to close due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The offer forms a crucial part of the government’s plan to gradually and safely ease restrictions.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said ‘Regular workplace testing is a vital part of our route back to normal life, which is why I’m very pleased that we’re now expanding our offer of free workplace testing to businesses of all sizes, including SMEs.
These rapid tests will allows positive cases of Covid-19 to be caught quickly, which is crucial in helping businesses protect their workplaces and employees as we cautiously lift restrictions.
I urge all businesses to register their interest in the programme before 31 March to help break chains of transmission and keep people safe.’’
The tests can be ordered from: https://www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests
