Asked by: Baroness Goudie (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to give high priority to closing the gender pay gap during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Baroness Berridge
We recognise that employers are facing unprecedented uncertainty and pressure due to the Coronavirus pandemic. A number of employers contacted the Government, prior to the announcement on non-enforcement, to highlight their concerns about being unable to meet the gender pay gap reporting deadlines this year.
Due to the COVID 19 outbreak, the Government and the Equality and Human Rights Commission suspended enforcement of the gender pay gap reporting deadlines for the 2019/20 reporting year.
Around 5,500 employers have reported their gender pay gap data to date for the 2019-20 reporting year, which includes more than 2,000 employers who published their data since the suspension of enforcement on 24 March. More employers may choose to report in the coming months and we will continue to provide support to those employers that wish to do so.
The gender pay gap is caused by a range of factors. In order to tackle it, we must ensure that everybody has equal access to opportunities. We will continue to encourage employers to take action to provide equal opportunities for men and women in the workplace.
We are currently considering the impact of the pandemic on the gender pay gap data for the current reporting year. If there are any changes to reporting in future, we will proactively communicate these to all employers.
Asked by: Baroness Goudie (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure social distancing occurs at airports in England.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Government has provided clear instructions to the public and to businesses on the steps they need to take to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including new guidance on social distancing. Most importantly, we are reiterating that it is paramount for all transport sector employers and staff to follow Public Health England’s advice on health and safety in the workplace in light of COVID-19.
Airports are following PHE advice, as well as their existing internal protocols on preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, PHE has provided specific guidance to flight crews on the measures they need to take to keep themselves and the public safe, including advice on social distancing and the safe use of personal protective equipment.
Asked by: Baroness Goudie (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the governments of countries with airports from which planes are flying to the UK about encouraging social distancing at such airports.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The UK is a world leader in preparing for and managing disease outbreaks, and we have a world-renowned team of clinicians, public health experts and scientists working round the clock to keep this country safe. We are working closely with the World Health Organisation, other G7 countries and the wider international community to ensure that we are ready for all eventualities. Additionally, FCO teams are working around the clock to gather and provide on the ground intelligence to understand current the situation in each individual country.
The UK Government has issued clear instructions on what to do to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Extensive guidance is being provided to individuals entering the UK from countries where there are cases of COVID-19 being reported, including instructions regarding self-isolation as the primary means to contain the spread of the disease. UK Airports are following Public Health England advice, as well as their existing internal protocols on preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and PHE has provided specific guidance to flight crew on social distancing and the safe use of personal protective equipment.
Asked by: Baroness Goudie (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to close airports during the COVID-19 pandemic; and if so, when.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
Airports are continuing to provide essential connectivity to get Britons home, deliver vital freight, and connect regions. The Government recognises this important contribution and is considering how best to support airports in continuing to provide this service.
A decision to temporarily close London City Airport from 25 March has been taken by the airport as part of the COVID-19 response and we are grateful for their offer to support emergency flights as we seek to tackle COVID-19.
We are working with the industry to ensure that UK nationals overseas are able to return home and freight continues to flow in and out of the country.
Most importantly, we are reiterating that it is paramount for all transport sector employers to follow Public Health England’s advice on health and safety in the workplace in light of COVID-19.