Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the ability of probation staff to maintain social distancing while working in approved premises during the covid-19 outbreak.
As you would expect, offenders in Approved Premises (APs) are following the same guidance as other members of the public on social distancing.
Social distancing advice has been disseminated to all AP staff which is based on guidance from Public Health England.
Our staff have been provided with personal protective equipment and extra cleaning products to help keep Approved Premises clean.
We have also provided APs with digital thermometers, explained to staff how self-isolation would work in this setting and provided staff with guidance on how to keep residents psychologically positive and occupied to reduce the risk of self-harm.
AP senior leaders continue to liaise regularly with health and safety colleagues and Trade Unions to ensure staff safety.