Helen Hayes MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, responding to reports about a data breach by Serco in relation to its role in the government’s contact tracing programme, said:

“The government’s contact tracing programme will rely on people having the confidence to pass on sensitive personal data to contact tracers.

“This data breach raises serious questions for the government about the capability of Serco to command public confidence.

“It is concerning that the government has so far failed to publish any information about the contract it has awarded to Serco. Far greater transparency will be needed if the public are to have faith in the companies entrusted to deliver key elements of the government’s response to coronavirus.”