Note from Permanent Secretary - further COVID-19 update
From: Mike Brennan
Date: 23 March 2020
To: All staff
1. Earlier today you received a note from the Head of the Civil Service. Please read it carefully and take action where required. Further to that note, I’d like to add my own personal message to DfE staff.
2. In recent days our work has been entirely dominated by the impact of Covid-19. I want to thank you all for the sterling efforts you have put in. These are truly exceptional circumstances and, as far as possible, business is continuing and we are delivering our services where we can. This is thanks to you and I am hugely grateful.
3. I am aware that some staff who are in the vulnerable categories have been coming to work. This speaks to the dedicated and conscientious nature of the people in our Department, but no one should be putting their health, and potentially that of their families, at risk. We have clear guidance from the Public Health Agency that anyone in the vulnerable categories MUST stay at home:
Immediate action
4. Please check if you are in a vulnerable category. If you are, do not come to work.
5. Line managers should again speak with their staff regarding the possibility of remote working. The Department of Finance has created an information hub for staff which includes information on remote working and links to the PHA website and nidirect with the latest Covid-19 advice.
6. As set out by David Sterling, staff will continue to be paid.
7. If you are working, please remember to maintain the social distancing measures in the office. We all have a responsibility to take the appropriate action.
8. Thank you, and please take care.
Mike Brennan
Permanent Secretary