Is it a legal requirement for your household to get a PCR test if someone in the family has a positive test?

[Higgletonpiggle]

DS (at uni) has tested positive for covid and test and trace have told him that his flat mates need to have PCR test however some of them are refusing. Are they breaking the law and will test and trace be able to find out they haven’t taken the test?

It's all on the government website:
www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
You are advised to get a test, but it isn't the law (assuming they are in England)

No they don't have to by law. It's advised on the government website.

In England it's advisory, but not legally mandated.

Ok - so test and trace aren’t going to check up on whether or not a test has been done? DS (ASD) is quite anxious and worried that he might get into trouble by association. Can’t understand why they won’t just have the PCR test though….it’s not like it’s a huge hassle. Apparently as they are all double jabbed they think they are immune to covid!

If he gave the housemates details to test and trace them they will call them directly and advise them to take a test. It's not your DS responsibility to get them to take one. If he's let them know then that's all he can do.