Test and trace voicemail that sounded like ‘people having sex’ is investigated

A voicemail from an NHS Test and Trace call handler that sounds like “two people having sex” is being investigated.

William Ryan, a father from Basildon in Essex, had tested positive for Covid-19 when he received the message.

He said he has made a complaint, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was investigating together with an employment agency.

Mr Ryan told BBC Essex that the voicemail sounded like “two people talking then two people having sex”.

“They rang me quite early so I was still asleep, I was ill,” he said.

“I woke up to a voicemail, didn't recognise the number so I listened to it.

“I was disgusted with what I heard on the voicemail so I looked up the number to see who it was and it come back with the track and trace number.”

He went on: “It's unprofessional.

“I know people are working from home, I'm working from home myself.

“I've got kids and stuff like that.

“If I had a phone call come through I will either step in my garden or out in my shed where it's quiet.”

The UKHSA said in a statement: “We have received a complaint from a member of the public relating to a voicemail message received from an NHS Test and Trace call handler.

“UKHSA contracts external service providers to deliver this service and expects high standards of all contracted staff at all times.

“We are investigating the matter jointly with the employing agency and have additionally written directly to the complainant.

“We will ensure the service provider takes any action necessary following the investigation and we will continue to work with all our service providers to ensure high quality services are delivered at all times.”