Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
The Government’s messaging on who could continue to work was not as clear as it...
Recommendation
The Government’s messaging on who could continue to work was not as clear as it should have been. The closure of schools and definitions of “key workers” caused some industries to close that could have continued to operate, such as the construction industry. There should have been greater recognition within the Government’s messaging and guidance of workers who kept the economy going during lockdown. The Government must take care to ensure that its messaging is consistent and properly addresses all relevant audiences. (Paragraph 14) The Government’s approach to legislation and the framework for Parliamentary scrutiny
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government had always and continues to make every effort to communicate any and all changes to COVID-19 policy to the public as clearly and simply as possible. When national restrictions were introduced in March, the Government published guidance detailing which businesses should close and the employment and financial support available for employees on the gov.uk website. This was amplified via a public information campaign, utilising multiple national and local channels from outdoor advertising to social media, to ensure awareness of all regulations. With respect to the construction industry and its supply chains, the Government has been clear they should remain operational throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, subject to compliance with Public Health England guidelines. On 31 March, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) set out this position in an open letter to the construction industry. The letter was circulated via the Construction Leadership Council to a wide range of trade and professional associations for onward circulation. The Government’s position on the operation of the construction industry has remained unchanged throughout the pandemic. Fifth Special Report of Session 2019–21 5 When restrictions eased during May 2020 and businesses across all sectors began reopening, the Government provided “working safely” guidance on gov.uk and highlighted this guidance through paid, owned and earned media and digital channels. Throughout the pandemic, the Government have been clear that all workplaces need to follow the COVID-secure guidelines. On 22 September, the Government published new guidance in order to help contain the virus, which set out that office workers who could work effectively from home should do so over the winter. Where an employer, in consultation with their employee, judges an employee can carry out their normal duties from home they should do so. Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary. Anyone else who cannot work from home should go to their place of work. The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-19 secure guidelines are followed closely. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk. The aim of the Government’s approach to school closures was to limit the number of children and staff in school to prevent the spread of the virus whilst ensuring that critical services can continue to function, and vulnerable children continued to be cared for. This policy required cooperation between employers, parents and headteachers. Businesses were expected to implement Business Continuity Arrangements to maintain essential public services and to support workers they identify as critical. Departments were ready to support their sectors in identifying who is critical, based on the principles set out in the guidance. The Government’s approach to legislation and the framework for