The Government has today announced that from 11 January anyone without symptoms who tests positive on a lateral flow test will no longer need to take a PCR test. This will be effective from 11 January and last until further notice.
Due to the large number of people testing positive for the omicron variant there is currently a significant wait of a few days in obtaining a PCR test and then the results. As staff have to self-isolate for 10 days (reduced to 7 with 2 negative lateral flows on day 6 and day 7) from the date of the PCR result these delays are forcing many people to self-isolate for considerably longer than the expected period as the period from the positive lateral flow to the PCR result is added on. This is causing significant pressures on employers whose staff cannot work from home as they are losing resources for far longer than necessary.
This change should be of benefit to employers and employees who are keen to get back to work as soon as possible.
If your business is affected by staff having to self-isolate or COVID restrictions more generally please contact our Employment Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.