Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to offer NHS front-line BAME staff alternative roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NHS Employers has recently published guidance to employers on risk assessments, advising them to consider issues such as pregnancy, ethnicity, age and disability. Since 30 April, numerous extensive expert publications have been produced by organisations such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

As a result, many National Health Service trusts are updating their risk assessment procedures. Human resources directors are considering a range of mitigating actions, including redeploying staff into alternative roles, and measures such as additional hygiene measures, stringent fit testing procedures, equity of personal protective equipment provision and training, and improved occupational health support.

NHS Employers will publish updated guidance shortly to reflect the range of approaches being taken by trusts.