Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 31
31
Paragraph: 156
It is very disappointing that Border Force officers did not receive guidance on the implementation...
Conclusion
It is very disappointing that Border Force officers did not receive guidance on the implementation of new regulations until less than one working day before they came into force. Without enough time to raise questions and properly to digest the guidance, it is likely that avoidable mistakes were made during the first days that the regulations were in force. As the UK begins to exempt countries from the regulations, the task of ascertaining who should and should not quarantine and what information they should provide is further complicated. We ask the Government to ensure that any changes to guidance are provided to Border Force officials as early as possible before they come into operation.
Paragraph Reference:
156
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Border Force, working across Government, provided a comprehensive readiness programme supported by public health officials, in advance of implementation, including delivery of training and guidance to staff. This programme began on 4 June 2020 prior to 4 Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (coronavirus): management of the borders: the implementation on 8 June 2020 and extensive testing was conducted against compliant, non-compliant and symptomatic scenarios, in addition to ongoing engagement with operators. The training and guidance provided received extremely high levels of positive feedback. Staff guidance is continually reviewed and routinely updated to reflect any changes to the International Travel Corridors list on a weekly basis, and in advance of the changes taking effect. the continued success of these measures, to support efforts to improve compliance with the requirements amongst the travelling public. The standardised process across UK Government and the Devolved Administrations for changes to the regime support this effort.