The agreement with Assuredscreening.com will allow Hays to offer three testing options, depending on how quickly clients need results.
Clients can book a £45pp postal test in branch while for £55pp, they can book a test at a testing centre within an hour’s drive; same-day test results are available for £140pp.
"Our arrangement with Assuredscreening.com means we have a more reasonable price for outbound tests, making the prospect of a holiday more real for many people," said Hays chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall. "We’re delighted we’re ready to roll out this for our customers when travel is permitted again."
Woodall added Hays would make no profit on the tests. "This is part of our customer service, and the value of using a reputable travel agent," said Woodall. "We will do everything in our power to make sure there are no obstructions to taking a much-needed holiday."
The tests will initially be available in branches across England, Wales and Scotland, with provision for Northern Ireland to follow soon.
Hays, meanwhile, said it has seen a boost in bookings this week after several cruise lines announced their summer "seacation" schedules for sailings in and around the British Isles, as well as new options further afield for 2022 and 2023.
"With companies like P&O Cruises, Cunard and Disney announcing sailings from ports all around Britain, it is an opportunity to try a cruise with world-class hospitality and entertainment, visiting exciting island and city destinations," said Hays.
The agency, the UK’s largest independent, said around half of its bookings were for summer and winter 2021, and another 45% for summer 2022.
"The cruise holidays have definitely got our customers excited and bookings are really strong," said Woodall. "Customers can book now and pay by monthly direct debit which really helps spread the cost too.
"We are working within the government’s guidelines to do all we can to make it possible for people to be able to go on the holiday they want, where and when it’s safe to do so."
