SOUTH Swindon's MP has suggested that waste and recycling workers could be made exempt from self-isolation.

The call comes after recycling box collections in the town were reduced to a four-week cycle because of a staff shortage and the national HGV driver crisis.

Robert Buckland said: “Throughout the pandemic, the dedicated waste and recycling team at Swindon Borough Council have worked extremely hard to ensure that residents here in Swindon have continued to receive a good service.

“SBC has said that due to a number of the team self-isolating, we will potentially miss one recycling collection.

“I appreciate that this situation is far from ideal for residents and I have been in close contact with my colleagues in government to discuss waste and recycling workers being added to the list of those essential workers who are exempted from self-isolation. I think this is a sensible proposal if workers are double jabbed and are tested.”