LABOUR condemned Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey today for not knowing the government’s advice on people returning to their workplaces.

She had appeared before the work and pensions select committee, where she said: “We are now in a position where stay at home, lockdown approach is not that any more.”

In a U-turn made by the government, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said last week that people should continue to work from home “if they can” to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

It comes after ministers were confused on Tuesday over whether people in north-east England under local lockdowns were allowed to meet members of other households in pub gardens.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “It’s remarkable that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions doesn’t know her own government’s advice on people returning to their workplace.

“The last 24 hours have left the public wondering if there is anyone in government who does know the regulations.

“This serial incompetence is confusing and insulting to the vast majority of people doing the right thing and trying to follow the guidelines.”