Changes to the rules on self-isolation

While the peak of Covid is long past, it is still a criminal offence for employers to knowingly allow workers to attend the workplace when they are meant to be self-isolating. So, employers should take note of new rules on self-isolation.

The requirement to self-isolate has been removed for individuals who:

• are double-jabbed and had their last vaccination 14 days or more before exposure;
• are under the age of 18 years 6 months;
• are taking part in an approved Covid clinical vaccination trial; or
• can evidence that they can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Employees continue to have a legal duty to notify their employer if they are told to self-isolate, including by the NHS Test and Trace service who will ask them if any of the exceptions above apply to them.

If employers receive a notification from an employee, they should not allow the self-isolating employee to attend the workplace.