Britain is working to reduce the 14-day quarantine period for arrivals from countries including Spain and France, offering the chance of some respite to a travel industry reeling from the impact of Covid-19.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said a simple test when travellers land at an airport would not be effective, but the government was looking at ideas such as testing eight days after arrival.

Airline and tour companies have pleaded for a change to the 14-day quarantine rules, Reuters reported.

“We are working to find a way that would allow for the quarantine to be reduced, but done in a way that also keeps people safe,” Hancock said. But he said one test at the airport was not the answer.