THE boss of a huge laboratory complex near York has told how it is working closely with the Government in trying to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

Andrew Swift, CEO of Fera Science Ltd, based at Sand Hutton, said it was trying to develop reliable and robust testing platforms to increase the UK’s Covid-19 virus testing capacity.

It was also supporting the country’s growers and food producers in the challenges of scaling up production for national food security, and it was researching and monitoring new emerging risks which were more likely to enter the UK food chain at times of stress.

He said Fera had introduced working from home wherever practical, whilst also maintaining key workers and essential support staff safely on site.

“We are fortunate to operate from expansive laboratories in a secure, rural campus facility enabling safe distance working across all departments and safe commuting to work to protect our employees,” he said. “Thankfully, we have not seen a material increase in the number of our staff unable to come to work, therefore we remain committed to offering our full range of services and maintaining current service levels."