Sector

25 March 2020

BPCA key worker lobbying on BBC radio

BPCA got a big mention on BBC Radio yesterday, when hosts spoke to a caller about pest management during the Covid-19 lockdown.

bbc radio pest management essential during covid

 The whole section is a phone-in segment and listeners are discussing whether pest control can continue to take place. 

This mention of BPCA lobbying the Government for official key worker status is great news for the industry, as it shows we're being heard.

The show went out to at least 45 local BBC Radio stations. 

You can listen to the segment (starts at 2:52:00) on BBC Radio 5 Live Show here: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000glx1

Transcript

Below is a brief transcript of some of the conversation which took place on the show.

"Are pest controllers key workers? Can you continue to access their services at this time?

"I don’t know, I know there are certain organisations, the British Pest Control Association are currently lobbying the Government.

"I mean literally, in the last few hours they've published a document to remonstrate the government on the lack of specificity on this matter but they believe, this is the British Pest Control Association, that they are classed, or should be classified as key workers, in that sense during the Covid-19 outbreak and you would imagine wouldn’t you?

"Particularly given the health and safety regimes there are. I mean, my kitchens never been so blooming clean at the moment, scrubbing it to within an inch of its life right now. It would be useful to receive some clarification on those matters, so Richard thank you for raising it.

"That is, I think, perhaps some crumb of comfort to you Cheryl as well, to know that the BPCA - The British Pest Control Association - are lobbying the Government right now to designate pest management as key work during the coronavirus outbreak so that will at least bring forth an answer in the days to come if you can live with the problem, just for a very short time, and stay in touch with those local Pest Control agencies to ensure that you have them on call if you need them."

To find out more about what we've been doing during the Covid-19 outbreak, visit the news section of our website. 

STAY IN THE LOOP

To keep up-to-date with all the latest news about pest management and Coronavirus, join our free Affiliate scheme.

Register

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

26 August 2026

Latest news

SOFHT announced as first strategic partner for PestAware Summit 2027

British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has announced the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT) as the first strategic partner for PestAware Summit 2027.

Read more

30 July 2026

Latest news

BPCA seeks industry experience on working dogs

As greater public attention has fallen on hunting and the use of dogs, BPCA is asking pest professionals to share their experiences with using working dogs.

Read more

23 June 2026

Latest news

VIDEO: Can you sleep tight? Bed bug behaviour, monitoring and treatment

Alexia Naylor from the Bed Bug Foundation explores what current research tells us about bed bug behaviour, monitoring and treatment.

Read more
Latest View all news

29 September 2026

Latest news

Venue and programme announced for PestWorld East 2027

All international pest professionals are invited to PestWorld East 2027, to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Read more

25 September 2026

Latest news

BPCA scoops five trophies at the 2026 Memcom Awards

On a spectacular night for BPCA, the team took home awards in all four nominated categories, plus the coveted Grand Prix Award.

Read more

23 September 2026

Latest news

Support for students as report highlights infestation impacts

An online guide is being issued to students in a bid to help them avoid pest problems as they settle into accommodation at the start of the academic year.

Read more