Lifting the Lockdown: Workplace Safety

Stated that there are five tests before adjusting current measures and mentioned ongoing consultations with stakeholders including nine unions and over 400 businesses. Grateful for the constructive feedback from stakeholders.

Highlighted inadequacies in the government's proposals, emphasising workers' legal right to a safe workplace. Criticised lack of recommendations on personal protective equipment and exclusion of workers from decision-making processes.

Asked if the review of corporate governance and audit will put employee safety and financial security at the heart of all businesses’ obligations to their stakeholders.

Confirmed commitment to acting on recommendations from independent reviews of various aspects of audit, including creating a tougher, stronger regulator through legislation.

Suggested following the Scottish Government’s approach in ensuring guidance is consistent with fair work principles and developed in partnership with trade unions.

Acknowledged need for consistency across UK but also highlighted ongoing collaboration with devolved Administrations. Emphasised the importance of learning from businesses that have remained open.

Asked the Minister to ensure guidance focuses on general principles such as social distancing and hygiene without being overly prescriptive, so as many businesses can reopen safely as possible.

Confirmed commitment to ensuring guidelines give confidence in every type of workplace across the UK, learning from companies already operating and following guidance.

Asked for reassurance on liability concerns businesses face if staff fall sick despite best efforts to ensure safety at work.

Emphasised that employees have the right and opportunity to approach the Health and Safety Executive or local authorities to ensure existing legislation and guidance are being followed.

Asked for support for small businesses, particularly those paying themselves through dividends, to survive the pandemic.

Acknowledged the importance of supporting livelihoods and jobs, and confirmed willingness to work with Treasury on economic support for businesses.

Asked about guidelines for necessary workers and passengers travelling by air from Northern Ireland to London, and assistance for airlines operating such flights.

Confirmed part of the process will look at transport issues, including opening schools, when health guidance permits.

Asked for special advice to employers on extra measures to protect vulnerable people who share their home with a medically vulnerable person.

Eagle questions whether non-binding guidance is sufficient to ensure safe working practices. She argues that employees must be protected and asks if workplaces should continue operating without proper safety measures.

Hodgson suggests a public information campaign is necessary to inform both employers and employees of their respective duties and rights before easing lockdown restrictions.

Thewliss expresses concern over the lack of legal protection for workers. She references TUC's position and seeks assurance that the Government will work with them to ensure worker safety is prioritised.

Kyle inquires about measures to prevent PPE prices from being distorted as businesses prepare for reopening. He worries about supplies remaining constrained and fair pricing.

Russell seeks assurances that construction sites will receive specific safety guidelines, especially given the variation among different types of construction projects.

Jarvis highlights a decline in workplace inspections and prosecutions over the past decade. He requests guarantees for local government and HSE resources to ensure safe working practices are enforced.

Khan raises doubts about non-binding guidance and its effectiveness in making people feel safe returning to work. He questions the adequacy of enforcement mechanisms.

Trott asks for assurances that existing essential workers will not face disruptions due to other sectors resuming operations, particularly in regards to PPE and transport needs.

Assures that the government will consider various scenarios as people return to work, acknowledging the current situation's difference from a fully open economy and emphasising working with business representative organisations. Additionally, he thanks those who have kept the economy running during the outbreak and ensures employers are aware of their responsibilities in keeping workers safe.

Attempts to reconnect Mike Wood from Dudley for a contribution.

Asks the Minister to assure that employers are aware of their responsibilities in keeping workers safe, especially those who have been working throughout the outbreak.