Context
During the January 2021 lockdown, there were concerns about the safety of rail workers as they continued to operate trains amidst a significant public health threat.
Question
What steps he has taken to ensure the safety of rail workers during the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown. The Minister will be aware that the rail industry coronavirus forum's figures show that total covid deaths among rail workers have tragically more than doubled since November, from 12 to 26, and that absences have also doubled. The figures could be even higher when subcontractors are included.
Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris
We have worked closely with the rail industry throughout the pandemic to mitigate covid-19 risks to workers. Since the outbreak, operators have been cleaning trains in line with existing guidance, increasing cleaning regimes and concentrating on high-touch areas that present a higher risk of contamination. I thank the hon. Lady for her excellent question. I have been talking to the rail companies and, indeed, the general secretaries of the unions throughout this crisis and we have issued comprehensive guidance to public transport operators, including rail operators.
Not addressed: The specific ask about instructing rail companies to do more was not addressed with a concrete commitment or action.
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