Freedom of Information Request: 0908 2020/21

I am looking into the arrangements that trusts will be making to support staff with travel during the winter months.

Given the potential for resurgent COVID-19 waves, ongoing localised lockdowns as well as annual winter pressures, I am looking into arrangements that trusts will be making to support their staff in getting to and from work during 1 Dec 2020 – 31 Mar 2021. 

Please can I have a response to the following question?

• What plans do you have in place to support staff with travel to and from work between 1 December 2020 to 31 March 2021, in case public transport is disrupted due to severe weather conditions and/or COVID-19 lockdowns, locally or nationwide?

[Such as: booking hotel rooms; hiring private accommodation; paying for taxis; creating special rest rooms]

We have a Trustwide cold weather plan which covers aspects such as roster reviews, car sharing – (with appropriate PPE during COVID (ie face masks, open windows) to be added to the 2020/21 plan), Community staff have access via Local Authority to 4×4 to visit essential patients, Memorandum of Understanding with 4×4 provider for staff transportation, access to limited accommodation and homeworking where this can be supported within roles. Adverse weather business continuity plans at ward levels with predetermined mitigating actions to maintain critical services.