Exemptions for critical workers announced by the Government will make a big difference to keeping food and grocery supply chains working.
Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the new exemption scheme is one the food and grocery sector has been demanding for some time, and is a pragmatic step.
“We welcome this move. The definitions are suitably broad so all food products, including beverages, are covered. Crucially, companies involved in distribution and sales are also covered.
“This is a confidence boost for our industry, which has been struggling to keep shelves full.”
The key points of the new exemption scheme are:
- It has been established with aim of keeping critical supply chains running
- Close contacts can keep going to work instead of isolating if they return a negative rapid antigen test
- Businesses will self-assess against criteria to join scheme
- Close contacts who work alone can continue to operate in a bubble of one