Source · Select Committees · Committees on Arms Export Controls
Recommendation 7
7
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 37
We appreciate the hard and diligent work of ECJU staff during the Covid pandemic.
Conclusion
We appreciate the hard and diligent work of ECJU staff during the Covid pandemic. We recognise that this has been a busy time for the ECJU, with COVID related delays causing additional difficulties.
Government Response Summary
The government appreciated the committee's recognition of ECJU staff's efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and elaborated on how the unit maintained services and supported exporters during that challenging period.
Paragraph Reference:
37
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government appreciates the Committees’ recognition of some of the challenges ECJU has faced in delivering its service particularly in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The professionalism and commitment of ECJU staff was critical to continuing this service during what was a prolonged challenging period. Due to the resilient IT systems DIT had in place prior to the lockdowns and the dedication of our people, ECJU was able to continue processing applications minimising the direct impact upon controlled exports. ECJU put in place measures to support exporters recognising the challenges they had, for example by extending the time allowed for them to respond to requests for information. COVID-19 secure working practices were also implemented including rotas so that ECJU could continue to access highly classified material which cannot be done remotely.