Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent discussions she has had with Public Health England on how employers should implement measures under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Public Health England (PHE) have met regularly to discuss the Working Safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance. These discussions have addressed the measures necessary to control the risk of coronavirus transmission in the workplace. HSE has also supported PHE and other public health bodies in responding to COVID-19 outbreaks. The Secretary of State has not been involved in these discussions.

HSE is an independent regulator and throughout the pandemic they have supported Great Britain’s public health response in the workplace by adopting a risk-based approach. HSE has used health and safety at work legislation, government guidance and best available evidence to ensure dutyholders are aware of, and take, the necessary controls to reduce the risk of transmission in the workplace.