Critical workers are to be exempt from self-isolation under new Scottish Government plans.

It is understood the new scheme will cover people working in fields including health and social care.

Workers in places like supermarkets and the travel sector may also be exempt under the plans, but these people would have to meet certain criteria in order to not have to self-isolate.

The plan comes after retailers warned of disruption due to the number of people self-isolating for 10 days after being identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19.

Some health boards have also said they are under pressure amid staff shortages partly due to the number of staff having to self-isolate.

IN PICTURES: Scots share photographs of empty supermarket shelves in local stores

The plans would require workers to meet certain criteria to avoid having to self-isolate – and there would be safeguards in place, BBC Scotland reported.

The Scottish Government is expected to make an announcement about the scheme later today.

The UK Government has said that from today, key parts of the food industry will be allowed to do daily Covid testing instead of asking staff to self-isolate as fears of food shortages have heightened in recent days.