Bus worker safety during the covid-19 outbreak: Control measures and enforcement

That this House commends the dedication of the UK’s bus workers who have kept services running throughout the pandemic for other key workers and essential travellers; notes that tragically, a number of bus workers have died from Covid-19; further notes that Government's covid-19 support for bus operators in England since March 2020 totals at least £600 million; believes it is vital that there is a consistent approach to bus worker health and safety across the industry; understands that bus workers have concerns regarding cash handling and the lack of enforcement of social distancing and face coverings on buses; notes that on the rail network, British Transport Police are patrolling services to ensure compliance with face coverings; supports the RMT union’s calls for the police, industry and government to put robust plans in place to ensure that compliance with face coverings on buses is also enforced; and calls on the Government to ensure there is a consistent industry-wide approach to these issues, publish any evidence it has regarding the potential risks associated with cash handling and covid-19 transmission and set out how social distancing and the wearing of face coverings will be enforced on buses, and by whom.