BMRA is aware that a number of member's employees are being 'pinged' by the NHS track and trace app to self-isolate.

We are currently in contact with the relevant Government departments regarding those 'critical' workers that can be exempt from isolating.

We do not know yet if metal recycling will be included as part of the waste sector, but if it is, the following is likely to apply:

• Those covered will be able to leave their COVID-19 isolation to travel to work and do their jobs after a negative daily test but must remain at home otherwise and go straight into quarantine if they receive a positive result.
• It will only apply to workers who are fully vaccinated - and 14 days after their second coronavirus jab.
• The exemptions will only be open to a "limited number of named workers" in critical services and are only intended to run until 16 August.

We also understand that workers will only be exempt if their employer has received a letter from the government on which their name is listed.

We shall send an update to members once we have clarified the situation.