Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that employers are following guidance on social distancing in the workplace for employees who are (a) clinically extremely vulnerable and (b) clinically vulnerable.

The guidance is non-statutory but does not change existing obligations relating to health and safety, employment, or equalities. Employers have a duty under UK law to protect the health and safety of their workers and other people who might be affected by their business. This includes considering the risks that COVID-19 represents.

Employers should carry out a risk assessment in consultation with their workers to inform what actions to take, to give the best combination of protection from their usual risks as well as the risks of COVID-19. Employers should consider whether workers who are classed as either clinically extremely vulnerable or clinically vulnerable are exposed to any specific risks. If so, they should take the steps needed to protect those individuals.

Health and safety legislation is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and by local authorities. If the enforcing authority finds that an employer is not taking action to properly manage workplace risk, a range of actions is open to them including specific advice or issuing notices.