However, the government has initially proposed 15,000 could be call handlers, meaning that 3,000 could be trained public health staff including environmental health officers, the newspaper says. Also, sexual health staff with experience of contact tracing and knowledge of their communities would also be required.

Asked to comment on the plan, life sciences recruiter Ricky Martin of Hyper Recruitment Solutions (HRS) told Recruiter: “Logic would say that the NHS is already at full capacity considering the increase of national requirement and individuals within self-isolating. 

“While I am sure some within the NHS may have resource to cover, 18,000 contact tracers is a significant number to identify in a such a quick time. Presumably the reliance on either national goodwill via volunteers, or more likely options for those on furlough to take on the hours and support the top-up on their pay, if required, to add additional structure would be the right step.

“I am certain recruiters out there would be able to provide support with this, even at cost to the business to keep their consultants busy and support national interest.”

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