Boots is calling on staff to take up roles as coronavirus testers, to help keep NHS staff on the frontline.

The pharmacy chain is seeking to recruit up to 1000 of its employees to form a national team undertaking Covid-19 swab testing in locations across the UK, including Ebbsfleet International car park.

The company's website said its new recruitment drive is aimed at employees who have been furloughed or who have seen a downturn in their workload; and the new teams would work alongside other project partners in designated locations around the country.

Applicants must be in general good health and not classified as in any of the Covid-19 High risk groups.

Information on the Boots website states: "Boots has a strong and trusted heritage in supporting the Healthcare of the Nation and in this time of need we are stepping forward to work with the Department of Health, Amazon and a variety of organisations to set up and resource testing stations across the country to test for Covid-19. The primary objective is to test NHS teams and allow those who test negative to return to work on the frontline confident in the knowledge they are not positive for Coronavirus.

"The global impact of Covid-19 has been profound, and the public health threat it represents is the most serious threat we have seen in a respiratory virus since the 1918 H1N1 influenza pandemic (Spanish Flu). NHS Staff are working around the clock to get ready for the peak of this pandemic and it is only right that we use every resource at our disposal to bolster the frontline in the face of this unprecedented challenge for our NHS.

"You will be able to use your skills to make more of a difference than ever before.

"You can play a crucial role in maximising our capacity as a country to fight this outbreak both on a national and local level.

"Screening is currently taking place however the volumes required to combat the virus are significant and it is clear more support is required for testing. We have been asked to support the countries efforts to understand infection rates and help with workforce demands to allow the NHS to continue caring for patients."

For full details visit the Boots website.

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