MPs’ staff urged to work remotely to limit the number of people in Parliament

13 October 2020

MPs should limit the number of their staff who work on the parliamentary estate to two per day - to keep the headcount down during the pandemic, the House of Commons Commission has said.

Members will be asked to register with the Serjeant at Arms which two staff – if they require them – will be working in Parliament, to help the House maintain its Covid-secure status.

The Commission has already urged Members’ staff to continue working remotely where possible – and asks Members to consider whether there is an essential need for support staff on the estate.

The advice came as the Prime Minister unveiled a new alert system for England, in a bid to drive Covid cases down.

In line with rising coronavirus cases across the country, a small number have emerged on the parliamentary estate.

The Commission has already strongly advised MPs and staff to wear face coverings when they walk around the estate.

While they are not expected to wear face coverings in meetings, when working in offices, or in the Chamber, Members are advised to wear them in the lobbies during a division.

MPs have also been reminded that no alcohol is for sale after 10pm in any of the parliamentary catering outlets – and all drinks should be finished and paid for ahead of the deadline.