There has been a surge in the number of shop staff having to self-isolate after being ‘pinged’ by NHS test and trace as Covid-19 cases in the UK rise.

Welsh Spar retailer Conrad Davies said “We’ve got staff self-isolating. They’ve had negative test results, but still have to isolate.”

Cotswolds Nisa retailer Harj Dhasee reorganised rotas in response. “There will be morning, afternoon, and evening bubbles” he said.

Social distancing and mask wearing to continue in shops

Costcutter retailer Mike Nichols said stores can claim staff sick pay if certain criteria are met.

Kunal Patel, of Cannons Park Stores in Edgware, north London, said he has trained friends and family on standby.

Self-isolation rules change on 16 August, with ‘double-jabbed’ individuals no longer having to isolate after contact with an infected person.

Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers