Horizon site essential workers (FOI)

​Request

Have the French construction workers on the Horizon site been classified as essential workers?

If so:

A

In what basis was this decision taken and by whom?

B

Are all construction workers on similar sites now classed as essential workers?

C

Was the decision taken after St Malo was classified as amber for Covid purposes?

Response

On 21 August 2020, construction workers on the Horizon site were classified as ‘essential workers’.

A

The arrangements for construction workers at the Horizon site were considered by the Competent Authorities Ministers on 21 August. Endorsement for permission not to isolate for work purposes was given to the workers on the basis that the permission only applied to the period of time the workers were at work and subject to adherence to the risk management plans submitted by the company involved. The arriving workers remain subject to the standard testing and isolation regime based on their travel history though receive permission to leave isolation in order to attend work.

The decision to grant permission on this basis was supported by advice from the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control (CCDC).

B

Requests for classification as ‘essential workers’ are considered on a case-by-case basis. On 18 September, after CAM endorsement, a centralised process for the granting of permission not to isolate for work purposes was launched; the guidance and application process is available to all Island businesses on Gov.je. The arrangements and restrictions in place mirror those agreed for the Horizon workers. Since 19 October the Horizon workers have been required to request permission not to isolate through this centralised process in the same way as every other local business.

C

From 00:01 on Sunday 9 August, France moved from green to amber. On Wednesday 2 September, France was classified regionally. Ille-et-Vilaine (St Malo) remained ‘amber’.