CBI calls for urgent solution to 'crippling staff shortages'

19 Jul 2021

The government must make immediate changes to the current self-isolation policy as businesses face 'crippling staff shortages', according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Over 500,000 people were notified by the NHS test-and-trace app last week.

The CBI has called for the government not to wait until 16 August but immediately allow double-jabbed individuals to avoid self-isolating for ten days.

It also called for clearer communication from the government around future country categorisation changes to help support the international travel sector, together with ramping up efforts for 100% full adult vaccination.

Lord Karan Bilimoria, President of the CBI, said: 'With restrictions being lifted and cases rapidly increasing, we urgently need a surefooted approach from government, creating confidence to secure the recovery.

'This starts by immediately ending the self-isolation period of ten days for people who are double-jabbed and providing a route out of isolation for those not yet fully vaccinated through daily lateral flow tests. Against the backdrop of crippling staff shortages, speed is of the essence.'