The UK is laying off 6,000 workers on its contact tracing scheme after reports detailed how they spent weeks watching Netflix, barbecuing, and doing quizzes

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• The UK government has said it is firing 6,000 people from its Test and Trace coronavirus contact tracing program.
• Tracers are hired to call people and alert them if they have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• But in recent weeks tracers have told the British media that they are bored, making very few calls, and are being paid to sit around.
• One told the BBC in June: "I've literally been on the system, refreshed the system, and entertained myself during that watching Netflix."
• The Department of Health said remaining tracers would work with local authorities, who can better tap into local knowledge and "provide a more tailored service."
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The UK is laying off 6,000 staff on its contact tracing scheme following numerous reports that employees spent weeks watching Netflix and doing quizzes.

The Department of Health and Social Care announced on Monday that the number of tracers will drop from 18,000 to 12,000 on August 24.

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See Also:

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• More than a million people in the UK have quit smoking since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, new study shows
• The UK could be about to add France to its quarantine list amid a surge in coronavirus cases

SEE ALSO: The WHO said it is a 'lame excuse' to claim COVID-19 contact tracing is too difficult — a clear dig at countries like the UK and US

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