What do the self-isolation changes mean for me?

From the 16th of August 2021 in England, employees no longer need to self-isolate if they are notified by NHS Test and Trace that they’ve had close contact with someone with COVID-19 if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

They must have been vaccinated with an MHRA-approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK and have received their second vaccine at least 14 days prior to the contact.

In addition, employees who are below the age of 18 years and six months, have taken part in, or are currently part of, an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial or are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons also do not need to self-isolate.

The exempt employee will be advised by NHS Test and Trace to take a PCR test as soon as possible and to take precautions while they wait for the result, but they do not need to self-isolate.

These new rules apply even if the employee lives in the same household as the infected person.

The exempt employee must self-isolate if they show any symptoms of COVID-19 themselves and they should book a PCR test as soon as possible.

Unvaccinated or part-vaccinated employees are still required to self-isolate if contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

Employers continue to commit an offence if they are aware of an employee’s legal requirement to self-isolate and permit them to attend work.

With the new rules, employees don’t need to inform you that they are a close contact with a positive case.

Individuals can attend work and don’t have to tell you anything.