CBI response to Covid self-isolation changes

John Foster, CBI Director of Policy, said:

“Boosting customer and employee confidence must now be the absolute priority for supporting the economic recovery and learning to live with the virus. Developing a more agile and responsive test & release system for self-isolation will help give firms greater confidence in being able to plan for the future.

“Rapid testing availability means it’s right to relax self-isolation rules, which is critical as cases increase. This important change will lead to less disruption for employers and employees alike, particularly for sectors which have been operating under restrictions the longest. And as staff shortages are already biting, it’s important the government moves quickly.

“There are other areas where clarity from government can help to boost confidence to secure the recovery. For example, knowing whether workplace testing will continue beyond July, and introducing a risk-based system with a targeted test & release scheme for the international travel sector.

“Responsible employers can play their part too, by placing a premium on close dialogue with employees and informing customers how they are reopening safely.”