Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Staff Safety at DVLA Offices

Wednesday 30 June 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had discussions with Secretary of State for Transport on DVLA staff safety during COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Department for Transport implemented measures including weekly testing, hiring new cleaners, and installing thermal cameras.
  • Minister condemned online abuse against DVLA staff representative and urged for the removal of abusive contact.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Employment
Context

Discussions about the safety of DVLA staff in Swansea during the pandemic, including measures taken to protect workers.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the safety of DVLA staff in Swansea during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Answer from David Davies

We work closely with the Department for Transport and view the safety of DVLA staff as paramount. The DFT has implemented weekly COVID testing, hired over 30 new cleaners, and installed thermal imaging cameras for temperature checks on all individuals entering the building.

Answered
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Q2 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Policing & Resources Transport
Context

A DVLA staff rep faced online abuse for advocating for colleagues' safety, with some managers sharing this abuse on social media. The DVLA refuses to remove an abusive petition.

Question

Will the Minister join me in condemning the online abuse against a DVLA staff rep and encourage the Department for Transport to ensure the removal of all abusive contact immediately?

Answer from David Davies

I am happy to join in condemning online abuse against anyone, having experienced it myself. I hope the PCS Union will quickly resolve this dispute despite the issues around abusive contact, noting that 60,000 daily items need personal handling by DVLA staff.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically condemning the abuse and ensuring its removal from social media was not fully addressed.

How: I Am Happy To Join In Condemning Online Abuse Against Anyone, Having Experienced It Myself., Noting That 60,000 Daily Items Need Personal Handling By Dvla Staff.

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