Napo presses employers on their response to second C-19 Lockdown

Napo have been engaged in early talks with employers about their intended response following the Government announcement over the weekend of a second
C-19 Lockdown from November 5th to December 1st.

The key message from the Prime Ministers statement which we fully endorse is that if staff can work from home they should do so; and this has been at the forefront of our contact with NPS, CRC and Cafcass leaders today.

In addition to the ‘Work from Home’ edict, and a reminder that the ‘Face, Hands and Space’ messaging must be reinforced to all staff who attend their workplace, Napo has been raising a number of issues including:

• The need to halt the ramp up of Accredited Programmes and Unpaid Work services across NPS and CRC’s during the new lockdown period and to review the current operational practice in these areas with input from TU Health and Safety reps and practitioners.
• A review of the need for staff to be attending at Court, where there is a greater risk of interaction with clients and members of the public as well as colleagues from other agencies. Court closures have resulted in people are travelling further to attend Court and most have no parking so public transport must be used by staff and the public.
• A review of current social distancing, hygiene and PPE arrangements within the HM Prison Estate. Explicitly directing OMU Probation staff to work remotely wherever and whenever possible.
• In Cafcass, we have urged the employer to issue new guidance for staff regarding family appointments in Offices and work with Children that involve home visits (more information will follow separately for our FCS members)

Antigen testing to cover Prison and AP staff

Last week the Probation unions heard that approval is expected for the extension of C-19 Antigen testing for all staff working within HM Prisons and the Approved Premises estate. While this is welcome news in that more staff will know whether or not they are Covid free; we have written to the Director General Probation to say that we do not believe that this important measure goes far enough, and that this facility must [IL1]be extended to all staff who undertake face to face contact.

Individual Risk Assessments for those with additional vulnerabilities

Further discussions with senior management are scheduled over the next couple of days and we will update you with more news as soon as it is available. Meanwhile, it is important that all members approach their line manager if they feel that their individual circumstances require a fresh risk assessment to be undertaken. This is especially relevant for BAME staff, and those who were previously shielding as well as staff with an underlying health condition.