Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Waste Collection Staff

Tuesday 28 April 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government published advice to councils on safe working practices for waste collection staff on 7 April.
  • Public Health England recommends waste collection staff wash hands for 20 seconds before entering and exiting vehicles or use hand sanitiser if handwashing is not possible.
  • The online Clipper service for councils to order PPE is being piloted and will roll out in the coming weeks.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Spellar Lab
Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the safety of waste collectors amid the pandemic and references previous discussions on key workers who have lost their lives.

Question

What guidance has the Department provided to local authorities on safe working practices for waste collection staff during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Our binmen and women have done a fantastic job. The Government published advice to councils on how to ensure the safety of refuse collections on 7 April. Public Health England has provided guidance recommending that staff should wash their hands for 20 seconds before getting in and out of vehicles, or use hand sanitiser where handwashing is not possible. We will ensure that councils follow this advice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked about steps taken to ensure the guidance spreads across the country and best practices are followed, but the response was vague on these specifics.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 John Spellar Lab
NHS
Context

The MP continues to stress the importance of providing waste collection staff with the necessary protective equipment.

Question

What steps is the Secretary taking to ensure that advice and best practice are being followed across the country to protect these key workers?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Public Health England has provided guidance recommending that staff should wash their hands for 20 seconds before getting in and out of vehicles, or use hand sanitiser where handwashing is not possible. We will ensure that councils follow this advice to protect the workers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked about steps taken to ensure best practices are followed but received only a restatement of guidance without specifics on enforcement or nationwide implementation.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Kate Hollern Lab
NHS
Context

The MP is concerned about delays in setting up an online system for councils to order personal protective equipment.

Question

When will the online portal for councils to order PPE be open, and can the Secretary give a guarantee that councils will receive all necessary PPE?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Over 50 million items of PPE have been delivered in the past three weeks, with 36 million going to care homes. The online Clipper service is being piloted and will be rolled out in the coming weeks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for a specific timeline and guarantee but received only details on existing distribution without addressing the portal's launch date or supply guarantees.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email