Pingdemic: MPs slam “lack of clarity” on self-isolation advice
The Work and Pensions Committee have written to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) seeking clarity on self-isolation rules.
Ministers have tied themselves in knots this week with contradictory advice on whether individuals and employers should pay attention to close-contact Covid-19 app ‘pings.’
Chair of the Committee Stephen Timms has therefore asked the HSE for clarity on what employers can and can’t do.
Read more: Over 1 million children out of school last week due to ‘pingdemic’
In the joint letter, the Committee write “it now appears there is still a lack of clarity amongst
employers about whether they are legally required to follow these provisions.”
Stephen Timms MP, who leads the Committee, said: “Despite a predictable increase in the number of people being told to self-isolate to keep others safe as Covid restrictions are lifted, both businesses and employees seem to have been left in the dark over the rules they need to follow.
“There needs to be much more clarity about the legal position when it comes to self-isolation and the role HSE is playing in ensuring that employers understand their responsibilities and in what circumstances they have discretion,” he continued.
Over the past week a number of major firms including supermarkets have either closed or warned of future closures due to staff shortages.
Late notice ‘pings’ are also playing havoc in the hospitality sector.
Read more: ‘I told staff to delete the app’: Hospitality reacts to pingdemic crisis