The Department of Health and Social Care have published guidance on the NHS test and trace service which explains how employers and workers can play their part in the programme to slow the spread of the virus. The guidance provides an overview of how the track and trace system works and how it can impact on the workplace. If the person who has symptoms has a positive test result for COVID-19, the NHS test and trace service will ask them to share information about their close recent contacts, including co-workers, who will then be contacted by the service formally notifying them to self-isolate. Workers who are told to self-isolate should share the evidence provided by NHS test and trace to show that they have been told to self-isolate and explain to their employer that this means that they cannot come to work. Employers should ‘support’ workers who have been notified that they need to self-isolate and must not ask them to attend the workplace. ‘Support’ includes continuing to communicate with workers in self-isolation, allowing people to work from home if they remain well if it is practicable to do so.
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