Lancashire businesses warned to heed Government on protecting staff from coronavirus

Businesses across the county have been warned not to ignore government advice on keeping staff at home if not an essential service.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Blackpool Gazette and Lancashire Post have been contacted by scores of worried workers frightened that their lives and those of their families are being put at risk by firms insisting staff turn in for work despite not being vital for the nation.

Many say that bosses have told them they will not be given sick pay if they self-isolate and others are zero hours employees.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One county worker said: “Call centre staff are currently in a room at close proximity while managers are working from home.

Call centre workers such as these could be at risk if social distancing cannot be practised during the coronavirus pandemic and should work from home warn MPsCall centre workers such as these could be at risk if social distancing cannot be practised during the coronavirus pandemic and should work from home warn MPs
Call centre workers such as these could be at risk if social distancing cannot be practised during the coronavirus pandemic and should work from home warn MPs

“How do we stop these company blatantly disregard health of its worker and that of the wider public to make money using the line ‘it’s an essential service’ when it plainly isn’t and they are just interested in making money?”

Another relative of a worker at a Lancashire factory said: “There are 300 members of staff on two separate shifts standing right next to each other.

“The production lines are unable to operate with a safe two metre distance between operatives.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Worried workers are being advised to get in touch with trading standards to report firms breaking Government guidelines.

Paul MaynardPaul Maynard
Paul Maynard

Amanda Maxim, trading standards manager for Lancashire County Council, said: “The Government has announced that certain non-essential businesses must now be closed as part of measures to protect people against Coronavirus.

“We are working closely with district councils’ Environmental Health Services to monitor the situation to ensure businesses are following the closure.

“If you want to report a business that is ignoring the closure, contact our Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline or your district council environmental health team.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard said he was concerned that businesses should do their bit to halt the spread of the virus and should look at the Government help available.

Mark MenziesMark Menzies
Mark Menzies

He said: “Employers should, at this time, recognise the importance of their staff following the Government’s order. Where social distancing cannot be maintained, the message is clear, stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.

Employees are finding themselves in a difficult position, between doing the right thing and keeping their wages flowing.

"At this time it is vital everyone plays their part in slowing the spread of the virus and I would urge employers to think carefully about how they conform to the orders the Government has given.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said: “If people have to go to work, they should stay two metres apart from others wherever possible.

“These are unprecedented times for everyone and it is important to follow the Government and medical expert’s advice.

“Those who have to go into work, and key workers, need to work with their employers to ensure social distancing rules are adhered to.

“We need employers and staff to use their common sense in very challenging times. I would consider those maintaining infrastructure – ie gas, electricity and telecommunications – to be key, while those selling new contracts and upgrades should be able to do so from home.”