Coronavirus Information Hub

There has been a significant update today in relation to exemptions from self-isolation for critical workers, which includes the food sector, so we wanted to share the details with you.

Critical workers exemption

The Scottish Government announced this morning that changes were being made to the self-isolation rules for close contacts of COVID cases who work in critical roles, and where staff shortages are in danger of putting essential services, including transport and the provision of food supplies, at risk.

This change has been introduced to allow essential staff in critical roles to volunteer to leave self-isolation and return to work, albeit under strict conditions. Applications can now be made NOW and the details of how to do so are below.

It should be noted that exemption will only be granted in respect of members of staff who voluntarily agree not to self-isolate, and the employers’ duty of care to all their employees must be respected. Exemptions will be made on a temporary basis and last only for as long as there is an immediate risk to business or service continuity.

Criteria

You must be able to demonstrate that staff shortages are in danger of putting essential functions and services at risk.

You can apply for an exemption if your business or organisation is classed as a Critical National Infrastructure (Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure website) and:

• is impacted by staff shortages as a direct result of self-isolation requirements
• a critical service is at imminent risk due to the staff shortage
• has exhausted all other options to address pressures on operations

It should be noted that in relation to food and drink the scope of this extends to manufacturers, processors, and distribution centres/hubs – at this point retail outlets are not within scope.

How to apply

Businesses will apply and cases will be considered on a site by site basis (multi-site businesses can’t apply for a blanket exemption).

To request an exemption business should email: covid19outbreakmanagement@gov.scot

In your email you will need to demonstrate/explain:

• that your organisation is a Critical National Infrastructure, as defined by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure
• how self-isolation is impacting your critical functions and services – typically they expect absence above 10% and for an adverse impact in terms of throughput, closed or inefficient production lines, failure to meet orders etc.
• what steps you have already taken to address this pressure
• the impact of no action
• the scope of the requested exemption – location, number of staff etc.
• whether you are currently engaging with a local incident management team (IMT) regarding outbreak management

Conditions required

Under the process, before a staff member who is a close contact of a positive case can return to work, they must:

• have had their second COVID-19 vaccination more than 14 days ago
• have a valid vaccination record (you can download a vaccination certificate at the NHS Inform website)
• not have symptoms of COVID-19
• have evidence of a negative PCR test
• take daily lateral flow tests for up to 10 days after being exposed to the virus
• fully comply with any PPE requirements, hand hygiene and other infection control measures

Staff who cannot reasonably isolate from on-going exposure to a COVID positive household member will not usually be asked to return to work.

Timescales

As above, the application window is open now and the Scottish Government is aiming to facilitate a swift decision making process.

All the information can be found here. If you have any issues it’s best to contact the dedicated email covid19outbreakmanagement@gov.scot.