PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Government Departments: Buildings (11 June 2020)

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what risk assessment has been undertaken by the Government Property Agency on the requirement for externally-contracted support staff to return to work in multi-hub office locations; and if he will publish that risk assessment.

Asked by:
Apsana Begum (Independent)

Government advice and guidance is clear that people should work from home wherever possible to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. Advice has been provided to departments on how to support all workers performing roles which require them to be in the workplace, in line with the government guidance on safer working during COVID-19. Assessments are being completed in line with relevant guidance.

The Government Property Agency is working with contractors to promote social distancing and to seek assurance from contractors that necessary mitigating measures are taken to manage identified risks, including in respect of PPE.

Staff - including ethnic minority individuals - are supported based on their particular circumstances and have the right to challenge a proposed return to the workplace if they have concerns. Contractors are completing individual discussions with staff that are deemed to be at greater risk, including where relevant BAME colleagues or those with declared underlying health conditions.

Answered by:
Chloe Smith (Conservative)
19 June 2020