Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 51
51
Paragraph: 233
Concerns about provision of PPE to key workers have been a recurring theme during the...
Conclusion
Concerns about provision of PPE to key workers have been a recurring theme during the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that Border Force’s provision of PPE to its staff has been based on PHE and WHO advice. However, Border Force officials must be able to feel safe while carrying out their vital work in particularly difficult conditions. This should include wearing masks where staff feel safer doing so.
Paragraph Reference:
233
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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 Force officers in accordance with safe systems of work and at no point have we been unable 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.