200 jobs to be created as Derby firm wins major Government contract
A Derby firm has won a contract to supply 20 million Covid-19 testing kits to the UK Government in a deal that will create 200 jobs.
Surescreen Diagnostics will manufacture the validated lateral flow antigent tests, which the Government says will ensure supply for the UK over coming months.
The new contract follows a similar order for 2 million tests in January.
These lateral flow antigen tests produce a result in under 30 minutes and are the first British tests to be validated in the laboratory by Public Health England (PHE).
The SureScreen test will be used as part of the Government’s rapid testing programme for those without symptoms, which has seen lateral flow tests deployed across the country to test NHS and care home staff, as well as in targeted settings including schools, universities and to allow key workers to continue their vital work during lockdown.
The contract will create 200 additional jobs for Derby residents with roles across the whole production line as well as in the wider UK supply chain.
David Campbell, director of SureScreen, said: “We believe our rapid antigen tests can really help in screening people both in the community and in clinical settings. Routine testing is crucial to help business, as well as hospitals and GPs.
“We are delighted to be working with DHSC on this project and that our tests have been recognised by the Government and its scientists. We look forward to doing all we can to help the UK going forward in 2021.”
