Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Paragraph: 100
Guidance on measures that businesses should take to protect workers, such as guidance on how...
Recommendation
Guidance on measures that businesses should take to protect workers, such as guidance on how to introduce social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment, was not issued quickly enough. We commend the processors, manufacturers, retailers and trade unions that developed and implemented COVID- secure working practices before the Government had issued satisfactory guidance. It is disappointing that guidance on social distancing in the workplace was only published in April. We recognise the pressure the Government, and in particular Public Health England, was under at the time. However, yet again, it appears that the Government was somewhat slow to react and support food businesses in dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 prevention measures. The Government should ensure that improved co-ordination mechanisms are in place between government departments, public bodies and with the devolved administrations to ensure that in any future disruption, guidance can be developed, cleared and issued more rapidly. This may mean better resourcing of critical specialist functions, so they have the capacity to meet unexpected surges in demand.
Paragraph Reference:
100
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government’s guidance has been developed in a rapidly evolving landscape and is informed by new information, including science, statistics and rates of infection. Although the aim is to always be proactive, the government is compelled to act on the latest and most accurate information only when it becomes available. The government has developed a process for rapidly developing and maintaining accurate, clear and timely guidance across government, in collaboration of Public Health England (PHE). During the peak of the COVID-19 response, the government established multiple ministerial and official forums with a wide range of government and industry stakeholders as we as the devolved administrations, in addition to existing forums, to coordinate