Concern over social distancing rules not being followed at work

Local workers are concerned social distancing guidance put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus are not being adhered to by several companies.

Government guidance suggests workers across most industries should keep two metres apart from one another.

They say that where social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full employers should consider whether that activity needs to continue for the site to continue to operate.

Staff should be advised to wash their hands frequently using soap and water for 20 seconds, and especially after blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing, on arrival at work, before and after eating, after using public transport, and when they arrive home.

Where facilities to wash hands are not available, hand sanitiser should be used.

One person said they were concerned that for some local building firms it is business as usual.

“There are zero safety measures in place for workers, who are expected to continue work as normal or go home unpaid and risk losing their job,” they said.

“Working inside, along several other trades, employees have been told they are to continue.

“I have had information to suggest they are even using this time of uncertainty to attempt to gain more work as other firms close.

“Pure greed and irresponsibility.

“What thought are they giving to the families of their workers, who they go home to each night?

“The work they are doing is absolutely not essential at this time.”

A bus driver, who did not wish to be named for fear of losing his job, said the company he worked for was not sanitising their fleet.

“At the end of each day the floors are brushed and then mopped with a dirty mop.

“No interior surfaces, handrails, or passenger alight buttons are wiped down in any way.

“And staff are not supplied with any protective equipment. In a cash only business.

“We are extremely high risk key workers.”

He said personal distancing could not be applied or enforced.

Bev Clarkson, Unite national officer for food, drink & agriculture, said: “Unite has been working tirelessly with food employers to get them to adhere to the guidance and ensure that social distancing is observed across the workplace.

“By and large, good employers respond positively.

“Our urgent concern now though is to protect the thousands of migrant workers that the government wants to see in the fields picking the crops.

Seasonal workers tend to stay in cramped and shared premises where social distancing just isn’t possible.

“We’re really anxious to engage with the minister, George Eustace, as a matter of urgency, to agree how the industry can keep these workers safe from this dreadful virus.”

West Mercia Police say members of the public can report any potential breaches of the lockdown measures put in place by the Government.

The police have updated their website to include a form that allows people to tell them about others who may be flouting the guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A statement on the police website reads: “If you’re concerned about a business or venue that’s open and you don’t think it should be, please check the guidance on this first.

“Please only tell us about something if you feel there is a significant issue or breach which you think we need to know about.”

Visit: www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about