Industry bodies are ramping up efforts to persuade the government to cut Covid-testing requirements and simplify the traffic light system ahead of the next review.
But there are fears it’s already too late to bring forward the October 1 review date, with an industry source pointing out: “The government maintained radio silence in August.
“To announce something for October 1 they need it pinned down by September 17 – unless they’ve been working furiously through August that isn’t going to happen. I don’t expect the review to come forward, [and] we have two to three weeks to make progress.”
The source noted: “We need a far less onerous testing regime – we don’t need testing for those vaccinated – and the government needs to look again at the red-amber-green system. No one can understand the logic behind countries moving.”
A Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) review of test providers should add to the pressure to cut testing costs after health secretary Sajid Javid promised a crackdown on “cowboy companies”.
More:CMA ‘warned government in spring about PCR testing firms’
But the source insisted: “We want the CMA to call out the policy as well as the cost. Consumers are being massively ripped off and government policy is fuelling it. It’s forcing people to take two private tests to get into the country. It’s money for old rope.”
A second source told Travel Weekly: “We expect the review at the start of October. That is what we’ve been told. Testing is the main thing – it’s illogical we’re stuck doing PCR tests on green and amber arrivals. Either reduce the cost or move to rapid testing.”
Health minister Lord Bethell was reported at the weekend to have told test providers PCR tests would remain “for the foreseeable future”.
The first source noted: “You never know with ministers’ comments, but it probably does reflect government policy. It’s frustrating.” The second asked: “Why for the foreseeable future when other countries aren’t doing PCR tests, and what does it mean – the end of the year?”
There were mixed signals on a hoped-for restart to the US this month with Canada being added to the UK’s green list from Monday but the EU removing the US from its list of countries with no restrictions on vaccinated arrivals.
An aviation source said: “It doesn’t stop the US accepting UK travellers. [The ban] could be pulled at a moment’s notice. It just needs the president to do it. But sources in Washington don’t see any appetite for its removal.”
Lobbying efforts will also address the end of furlough at the end of September.
One source warned of “a real hit” saying: “I don’t believe the Treasury will extend furlough.” The aviation source noted: “More than 50% of people in air transport are still on furlough. It could be catastrophic if it is not extended.”
In one small improvement, Scottish travellers will be able to use private-sector tests to comply with traffic light restrictions from this month. Until now, they have had to book NHS home PCR tests.