A major supplier of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Covid-19 testing kits is in dispute with the government over a £150 million contract.
It led to the signing of a multimillion-pound contract with the
A second contract signed in September last year is now in dispute, the company has revealed, relating to 300 PCR testing machines, test kits and support services.
Read more:
Bosses at the firm, which has offices in the
September deal
The September deal ran until the end of last year and was worth a minimum £150 million, with the option to extend it for a further 10 weeks for at least £100 million. The option was not taken up by ministers.
A second phase of the contract was being negotiated to provide 700 additional PCR instruments, kits and support services, with
But last month the firm said active discussions with the DHSC over an extension had not been agreed and the contract covering the 14 weeks to the end of 2020 was now in dispute.
Read more: Covid-19: Surge testing and vaccines to be introduced in Hounslow
The matter is in the hands of company lawyers although no action has been brought before the courts.
As a result of the dispute and failure to negotiate a new contract,
PCR tests have primarily been used for testing people showing signs of Covid-19 and are considered to be the most reliable.
But they tend to be more expensive and lateral flow tests are used more widely for those having regular tests – such as school teachers and pupils – or those not showing symptoms.
Prime Minister
Read more: Indian variant latest: Cases jump by more than 2,000 in a week
The post Government and Covid test supplier
© City AM, source