EMPLOYERS should have been urged by the government to use “fever screening” technology as the lockdown is eased, a Dorset company has said.

Unique Group uses thermal imaging cameras which can show body heat as light.

The technology takes only one second to detect raised body temperatures, even among large groups of people, the company says, with accuracy within 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Bradley Williams, director of the company, based in Stanley Green Road, Poole, said fever screening technology should have been a recommended piece of equipment in the government’s manuals on working safely during coronavirus.

He said: “It was surprising to see that fever screening technology wasn’t included in the government’s guidance to employers on how to make their workplaces safe for employees to return to.

“Fever screening technology not only allows employers to reduce the risk of a carrier infecting other employees by accurately screening their body temperature upon arrival, but also offers colleagues a sense of security and confidence when returning to the workplace.

“As some businesses begin to return to their premises this week, preventing a second wave of infection is of utmost priority, for public health and the economy. Fever screening technology in the workplace could play a vital part in preventing a second peak,” he added.

“I hope that for our economy and for the health of our loved ones, businesses consider the technology and resources available to them, to support the safe return to work.”

Unique says thermal imaging cameras are vital in a environments where there is a stream of people coming in and it is difficult to slow them down. It recommends them for such premises as schools, offices, shops and bus and railway stations.

The government issued advice earlier this week on safe working in a range of workplaces.

Business secretary Alok Sharma said: “This guidance provides a framework to get the UK back to work in a way that is safe for everyone.

“These are practical steps to enable employers to identify risks that Covid-19 creates and to take pragmatic measures to mitigate them. And as we are able to reopen new sectors of the economy, we will continue our collaborative approach working with a wide range of stakeholders, to provide guidance for additional workplaces.”