The Department of Health and social care has published new guidance on the NHS test and trace scheme.
The NHS test and trace service:
provides testing for anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus to find out if they have the virus.
gets in touch with anyone who has had a positive test result to help them share information about any close recent contacts they have had.
alerts those contacts, where necessary, and notifies them they need to self-isolate to help stop the spread of the virus.
It is vital that employers play their part by:
making their workplaces as safe as possible.
encouraging workers to heed any notifications to self-isolate and
supporting them when in isolation.
Employers should continue to communicate with workers in self-isolation and provide support. This includes allowing people to work from home if they remain well and if it is practicable to do so. This might include finding alternative work that can be completed at home during the period of self-isolation.
If people can’t work from home, employers must ensure any self-isolating employee is receiving sick pay and give them the option to use their paid leave days if they prefer. Further guidance is available on what employees should do if they cannot work.