There is also the idiotic opinion that "If you are 'clinically extremely vulnerable' you should be still shielding". Which is stupid as shielding 'paused' on August 1st. Try telling your boss that you are still 'clinically extremely vulnerable' and you don't want to leave the house. "Shielding? That stopped didn't it? Get your ass to Mars, sorry, work."
Shielding is not the same for everyone and it covers a whole multitude of conditions.
I dont think its idiotic for people with cancers, that can cause their immune system to be compromised and more likely to catch covid 19, or for people with serious copd issues. For People in these groups and others at serious risk, the threat of life changing complications or death has not gone away. And they need to continue to be very careful in their lives.
What pausing shielding did, was let people in these groups make their own minds up about what is acceptable to them. Information on risks were provided showing what risks were to different activities in relation to their health. They could then decide on personal risks which they were happy with or not. ( at least in Scotland it was, where personalised letters, based on their condition, were sent out to all people shielding)
Some will be happy to not follow shielding anymore and and to not make any changes to how they live, whilst others will be continue to be careful. It doesnt mean they stay indoors all week, but may want to avoid people in busy areas etc and restrict face to face interaction with people. It is a personal decision now.
And if they are in job, where they can work effectively from home then, they should be allowed to do this.
Current acas and unions advice for people in shielded group is "where a worker can continue to work from home , this should be supported."
Obviously this does not apply to everyone as not all people will be lucky enough, to be in jobs that are able to be done from home.
But if they are unable to work from home, then occupational health should be involved in a personal risk assessment to ensure that all measures required for their safety are identified and taken.