YANBU
People knew that the travel “ bridges” were temporary and under constant review. So they went knowing there was a risk they may have to quarantine. You make your choices and take the consequences, good or bad.
I think it’s a bit much to say people went because the government said they could, do no changes can be made to that advice whatever the evidence that it isn’t a good idea any longer. Wherever the cut off was would negatively affect some people.
Personally, I would not travel abroad unless vital at the minute, risks of getting caught up in some problems is too great. Others make a different judgement, some got their holiday and it looks like some won’t now. Not great if it’s you, but you took that chance if you book abroad in the current situation.
I think the government asking employers to just suck it up are in cloud cuckoo land. For one thing, if it’s done for this group of people, it will have to be done for everyone going forward. People will be even more likely to go on holiday to destinations they know are at risk of being taken off the “safe travel list” because they can just get an extra 2 weeks paid holiday to isolate if needed. I think the message needs to be- go if you can have your holiday and the necessary 2 weeks isolation If required (either as not working, work for yourself and can take time if needed or agreed in advance with your employer). If not, you have to make holiday plans accordingly.
My friend runs a small business and 2 members of staff are caught up in this. They are only just getting back on their feet after lockdown, but pre-booked holidays were honoured. It makes things tough for the rest of the staff, and other people are due to be on holiday (not abroad) once the get back, and someone else a bit after them. These members of staff are expecting an extra 2 weeks of paid leave to allow them to isolate. Given the financial situation, this is not viable- can’t cancel other staff member’s holiday but need people in to cover. So they are going to have to pay over time to some staff to cover the hours of the 2 who have to isolate. The upshot is that they’ve been told they can take the extra 2 weeks as annual leave or unpaid leave. Neither are happy and kicking up a huge fuss. I think they’ve been given perfectly reasonable options and should be grateful they’ve been given a choice. I think lots of employers are going to be faced with employees expecting to have an extra 2 weeks paid annual leave.