News

Isolation Changes – 16th August 2021

For those who have not seen the updated guidance, from Monday 16 August people who are double jabbed or aged under 18 will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.

Given this change in guidance we have made the decision at this point to implement a number of changes in the way we manage isolation periods and can confirm the following;

 

  • If you are symptomatic and awaiting results of a PCR test, we will continue to pay for your isolation period whilst you await results.

 

  • If you are COVID positive, this will be managed in the same way as any other sickness absence reason. If you are entitled to Company sick pay, you will receive this, if you are not, you will receive SSP.

 

  • If you are not symptomatic but have been told to take a PCR test by NHS test and Trace due to close contact you do not need to self-isolate whilst you await your results (Support team only, Care Team see below)

 

  • If you are identified as a close contact and are not vaccinated (due to guidance from your GP) you will be asked by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate. Under these circumstances please speak to HR.
  • If you are identified as a close contact and are not vaccinated (due to personal choice) you will be asked by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate. Under these circumstances, you will not receive full pay for your isolation period. You will be paid SSP only and the responsibility will be yours to claim any available grants.

 

Care Team Only

 

The guidance also states that if you are a double vaccinated Health Care Worker that has a close contact and notified by NHS Test and Trace, you must have a PCR immediately. If the PCR results return negative, you can return to work however you must take a Lateral Flow Test every day for 10 days (extra kits can be received from HR). You must also have a risk assessment carried out by a designated person in the workplace before you return to work. If your PCR returns positive, you must follow the isolation guidance.

 

Further details surrounding the changes to self-isolation periods can be found here; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/self-isolation-removed-for-double-jabbed-close-contacts-from-16-august

 

I am conscious this is significant change so if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.