On Saturday 11th April, the Secretary of State for Transport, sent a letter to the transport sector on the impacts of Covid-19 and recent government guidance to the profession. 

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport said: 

During this period of unprecedented disruption and uncertainty, the transport industry has risen magnificently to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus outbreak. You have played a critical role in keeping Britain moving and serving a nation in lockdown and I wanted to thank you for your tireless work, behind the scenes and on the front line.

The Government published PHE’s guidance regarding social distancing measures in the workplace. This provides greater detail on how social distancing should be maintained where employees cannot work from home. This guidance, which can be found here, should be followed and I hope that you are already in the process of implementing these measures.

I am aware that concerns have been raised on requirements for PPE. I don’t want anyone working daily on the front line to feel unclear on whether they have the necessary equipment to stay safe. Therefore yesterday, the Government set out its clear, evidence based, strategy providing guidance on the sectors which have a clinical need for PPE. The strategy is available here.

I know that you will be absolutely focused on keeping your staff safe and, as such, you will be the best judge of what measures are appropriate in different scenarios. I am keen that you make any changes in a way that works for your business, employees and customers. I know that businesses across the country have come up with innovative ways to change every day processes and encourage behavioural changes and I know the transport sector will be similarly inventive. Changes you make should, of course, be considered in consultation with your employees.

My officials continue to be in close contact with the Department of Health and Social Care, who are regularly evaluating the latest scientific evidence to understand changing levels of risk. Should their advice change we will, of course, be contacting you immediately.

My Department continues to be on hand to support you through this difficult time, and would like to thank you, your organisations and all your employees
again for your continued efforts. I would appreciate your passing on my gratitude onto your wider teams.