Priti Patel faces questions after Home Office staff were told to return to work despite the coronavirus lockdown.
A scientific advisor to the department reportedly told staff 80% of people would get Covid-19 in the end, and that “we can’t hide away from it forever”.
A leaked transcript of a Zoom meeting involving Passport Office managers, reported by the BBC, suggested up to 2,000 members of staff could return to work on routine passport applications.
According to the transcript Home Office deputy scientific adviser, Rupert Shute, told the meeting: “You are no more at risk at the workplace as you would be in your home or at the supermarket. It is about minimising it.”
He reportedly added: “We are working on the assessment that 80% of us, if we haven’t already, will get the virus.
“We cannot hide away from it forever.”
Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS Union said: “It is absolutely scandalous that HMPO are suggesting our members can go back into work during a pandemic to process routine passports.
“The cavalier approach to our members’ health and safety is shameful and ultimately puts them in greater danger of contracting Covid-19.
“We have already had members die as a result of contracting corona and pressured civil service managers in other departments to shut offices so staff can work from home.
“For the deputy chief scientific adviser at the Home Office to suggest that going into work does not put you at greater risk of contracting corona is extremely irresponsible and totally contradicts current Government guidance.
“Processing passports is not critical work while we are in lockdown and international travel is practically non-existent due to the corona pandemic.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Her Majesty’s Passport Office is fully adhering to public health advice across all our offices and adopting social distancing measures to keep both its staff and customers safe.
“It continues to operate at substantially restricted staffing levels with a significant number of people working from home where possible, and staff are prioritising emergency cases. Guidance is also available for people who are travelling into work.
“It was made clear in the meeting that the Government’s priority is slowing the spread of coronavirus and we all have a part to play in order to protect the NHS and save lives.”
The Home Office added that Government advice has been clear that people may travel for work purposes, if they cannot work from home.
At a Number 10 briefing this morning, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I think the government advice is very clear that you may travel for work purposes if you cannot work from home.
“That guidance is obviously available for the passport staff who are travelling into work.”
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: “Passport Office staff are rightly deeply concerned about being told to go back to work next week, just as the coronavirus pandemic is expected to reach its peak.
“The Government must ensure safe working conditions for everyone keeping vital public services going during this crisis. And the Home Secretary must come forward to address the concerns of her staff.
“It’s time Priti Patel answered important questions about this and numerous other coronavirus-related issues, from emergency police powers to support for refugees and survivors of domestic abuse.”
