Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the letter sent by Sir Simon Stephens to all NHS Trusts on 29 April which stated "on a precautionary basis we recommend employers should risk-assess staff at potentially greater risk and make appropriate arrangements accordingly"; and what action NHS Trusts should take in response.

Proper risk assessment is key to ensuring the protection and wellbeing of our staff. NHS Employers, working in partnership with key stakeholders, published guidance for employers on 30 April on how to carry out risk assessments particularly for vulnerable groups, to understand the specific risks staff members face from exposure to COVID-19 and actions which employers can take to keep staff safe. NHS Employers will be keeping its guidance to employers under review to reflect any feedback or additional evidence coming to light and signpost to key national guidance where available.