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Key Workers: Ethnic Groups

Question for Department of Health and Social Care

UIN HL4717, tabled on 19 May 2020

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to (1) support, and (2) protect, BAME (a) key workers, and (b) NHS staff, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answered on

28 May 2020

The Department has commissioned Public Health England to complete a rapid review to understand disparities in COVID-19 infection across the population. This will include looking at the impact on different ethnic groups and occupations - as well as by deprivation, age, and sex. The report will suggest recommendations for further steps that should be taken to reduce disparities in risk and outcomes from COVID-19 on the population.

In advance of Public Health England’s review, and on a precautionary basis, NHS England and NHS Improvement have recommended that all National Health Service organisations undertake appropriate risk assessments for their black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and make appropriate arrangements to support and protect them. The Department is working to support the care sector to ensure the safety of all staff in social care.

All NHS and social care staff can access emotional, psychological and practical support.