“The part we play... is limited and specific”: Serco responds to Test & Trace criticism

Public services giant Serco has hit back at criticism of its handling and role in the NHS Test & Trace programme.

The firm, which has UK offices in Hampshire and London as well as a range of international bases, made the comments in an unscheduled trading update this morning.

Serco also announced that following ‘strong’ organic growth it has upgraded its 2020 revenue guidance, largely due to the performance of established contracts in the UK, the US, Australia and the Middle East.

Commenting on its role in the NHS Test & Trace programme, Serco stated: “There has been much comment on Serco’s role in the NHS Test & Trace programme, including suggestions that we are responsible for the whole programme and / or that we have failed in our obligations.

“Serco is proud to be playing a part in the NHS Test & Trace programme; we now employ, directly or indirectly, around 9,000 people supporting the programme. However, the part we play, although important, is limited and specific.

“Serco contributes to two parts of the process: at the start, we are one of five suppliers running fixed and mobile sites where people go to get tested. We currently manage about 25 per cent of the 500 sites in the UK.”

“We are not involved in other parts of the process, for instance the design and management of the overall programme, the NHS App, the IT systems, the booking of tests, the provision of test kits, the test laboratories, delivering test results, or the identification of contacts of people who have tested positive.”