review of “cowboy” Covid test providers used by holidaymakers has seen fewer than two per cent removed from the government approved list so far.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced the companies were being urgently evaluated after travellers were charged hundreds of pounds for swabs, despite misleading £20 offers still being promoted.
But, a week after the review into rip-off practices began there are just eight fewer providers on the 422-strong government website list.
Nearly all 16 of the companies offering tests “from £20” would only charge that price if the returning holidaymaker travelled to the firm in person to have a swab taken.
Many test sites were also unable to offer bookings before the end of August, meaning holidaymakers wanting a test sooner would have to pay the higher prices to post their swaps to a lab for analysis.
Firms charged up to £89 for the “at home swabs” – more than four times the price advertised on the government’s website.
Travellers have also criticised poor service from many testing companies, with late or lost tests a…
