Changes in self-isolation rules do not go far enough, say independent retailers

It has been announced that supermarket depot workers and food manufacturers will be exempt from quarantine rules as the government tries to keep food supplies flowing.

Designated workers will be able to do daily Covid testing instead of isolating, only having to go into isolation if they actually have Covid, not just because they have been identified by the NHS app.

But James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Retailers (ACS) says that this will bring little change for most independent retailers.

He said: “The problem is that the government are focusing at the moment entirely on a very small number of supermarket distribution centres. That must be extended to our supply chain as well.”

The relaxation of the rules will also make no difference to staff working in shops, who will remain under the same self-isolation regulations as they are now.

Under current self-isolation rules in England, anyone except those with special exemption who is traced as a close contact of a confirmed positive case must isolate for 10 days, whether or not they have received both doses of a vaccine.

If someone is told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace they are legally obliged to do so.

But if someone is “pinged” by the NHS Covid app the requirement to self-isolate is only advisory.

Some retailers are frustrated by the latest rule change. Samantha Coldbeck, business partner at the Wharfedale Premier, Hull, said: “Most independents have not taken proper breaks over the last 18 months due to staff uncertainty.

“We were classed as essential workers during the first wave, so surely need to be fully staffed in order to supply our communities through the year.”

Amit Puntambekar, owner of Ash’s Store in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire, said: “There is very little appreciation or care for our sector in government.

“It has been an incredibly challenging time since March 2020 and the lack of clarity post-Freedom Day feels like a real kick in the teeth.”

A record 618,903 people were told self-isolate by the NHS Covid app between 8- and 15 July.