Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 50
50
Paragraph: 232
As passenger numbers rise and interactions between Border Force officers and arrivals increase, it is...
Conclusion
As passenger numbers rise and interactions between Border Force officers and arrivals increase, it is crucial that there are no lapses in PPE availability for officers on the frontline who have worked admirably in difficult conditions for several months. The Government owes it to hard-working officers to ensure that they are protected and feel safe so they can continue in their duties. As part of each review of border quarantine measures, Border Force and the Home Office should conduct a reappraisal of the appropriate level of PPE that should be provided for Border Force officials, and a nationwide assessment of stock levels to ensure that staff have everything they need.
Paragraph Reference:
232
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
With regard to PPE provision, the Home Office including Border Force has worked hard, successfully, to ensure that there has been a sufficient supply of PPE for front line Border to service these requirements. We have also worked closely with operators to provide installation of protective screens across the port network. We will continue to work with partners across Government and industry to identify supply chains and maintain stock levels of PPE. We currently have good levels of stock and we do not anticipate any issues at this stage in maintaining the flow of PPE to provide the necessary protection, where required, to our officers. The Home Office including Border Force regularly reappraise PPE requirements and will continue to do so to ensure our Border Force officials are protected while they undertake their duties protecting out border.