A TOP visitor attraction has admitted an “error” after telling staff they could come to work even if the NHS Test and Trace service told them to isolate.

RockReef Activity Centre, the climbing attraction on Bournemouth Pier, also told staff they would not be paid if they stayed home as required by the Covid rules.

RockReef has since said it has corrected its error and “substantial sections” of its business are closed because of staff isolating.

Staff initially received a message warning that most of them would shortly hear from the NHS that they should isolate because of a colleague testing positive for Covid.

However, they were told they could return to work if they took a Covid test that proved negative – and were told they would not be paid if they stayed off.

A message from a manager, seen by the Daily Echo, said: “Most of you will receive messages from the NHS today saying you should be isolating due a staff member testing positive. Obviously if you all isolate then we will be closing down.

“As a business we are happy if you feel well and test negative in the morning to come to work. If you do not feel comfortable with this and want to stay off (unpaid) please let me know.”

A statement from RockReef said: “The company policy has always been to follow government guidelines to the letter and as soon as this error was brought to our attention by members of the team, before being contacted by the media, it was corrected immediately.

“All staff who have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace are isolating at home and substantial sections of the business are now closed as a result.”

The Gov.uk website says it is an offence for an employer to allow someone to be at the workplace if they have “been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and they have received a notification to self-isolate from NHS Test and Trace”.

It adds: “If you know that a worker has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, it is your legal duty to not allow them to come into work or work anywhere other than where they are self-isolating (usually, their home) for their full self-isolation period. Failure to do so could result in your firm facing a fine, starting from £1,000.

“If a worker has received a notification to self-isolate via the NHS Covid-19 app, they should not attend the workplace as the individual may be infectious and could spread the virus.”

If someone cannot work from home, the government says an employer may give them the option to use paid leave or use contractual sick pay. Employers “must ensure they receive Statutory Sick Pay as a minimum, provided they meet the eligibility criteria”.

Businesses with fewer than 250 employees may be able to reclaim their costs for Statutory Sick Pay.