Forecourt workers “are essential and should be exempt from self-isolation if fully vaccinated” – PRA

The government announcement to exclude essential workers from self-isolation requirements if they have been double vaccinated should be extended to forecourt workers, says the Petrol Retailers Association.

Gordon Balmer, the Executive Director of the PRA has said, “We are well aware of supply issues in shops, primarily as a result of workers who are part of the supply chain including terminal staff, tanker drivers and forecourt staff who have contracted Covid-19 or, more often, pinged to self-isolate.”

The PRA have been working with their fuel suppliers to ensure that fuel supplies remain resilient and have been collaborating with government officials to ensure further steps are taken to prevent any shortages. In addition to fuelling essential services and commercial activities, petrol stations are at present experiencing increased demand for fuel due to holidaymakers staycationing around the country.

Balmer added, “It is important that forecourts are able to be properly staffed given the crucial role they play in keeping the country moving and ensuring that emergency services are kept refuelled. During previous lockdowns, filling stations were identified as essential services. We are now requesting that officials at BEIS and DHSC confirm this same status for our members in the list of exemptions.”

The PRA is awaiting a response from the government on this issue.