BORIS JOHNSON’S guarantee that all key workers will have access to daily Covid-19 tests will only reach 1 per cent of those it needs to, the TUC has warned.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced daily tests for 100,000 “critical workers” from Monday as stocks run dry amid the rapid spread of the omicron variant. 

However, under the government’s own definition of a key worker, 10.6 million of those employed — a third of the total workforce — are in essential occupations and industries.

The scheme will therefore only cover a tiny fraction of those on front line, the TUC stressed.

General secretary Frances O’Grady said the commitment was “hopelessly inadequate.”

She added: “Key workers do their vital work in teams. Surgeons and nurses need cleaners and porters. Food supply needs producers, warehouse staff, drivers, and retailers.

“Ministers must explain who is left out, and what they should do if they can’t get tested.

“The Prime Minister has known about the shortage of tests for weeks. It beggars belief that he is doing so little, so late.”