MSP calls for tough action
A Central Scotland MSP has called for tougher enforcement action on employers who defy the COVID-19 lockdown and force employees in non-essential roles to leave home.
Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon says she has been inundated with calls from concerned residents.
It follows reports that many firms, including Highlander Security Shredding near Peel Park and the John Lewis Contact Centre in nearby Hamilton, are asking employees to go in to work as normal.
She has written to the chair of John Lewis – who closed all their department stores – with her concerns.
Ms Lennon said she has also been contacted by employees working for Sky, where bosses are insisting that workers in sales contact centres must report to work as normal.
Calling on all other businesses to take heed of government advice, Ms Lennon added:“I am appalled so many businesses are failing to comply with the essential COVID-19 lockdown.
“These irresponsible actions are risking lives and putting additional pressure on the NHS at a time of national emergency.
“I am inundated with local enquiries from worried workers.
Ignoring social distancing measures will spread the virus, overwhelm our NHS and lead to more deaths.
“I am calling on the Scottish Government to take action against bad bosses, and make clear any employer who defies the lockdown will face serious consequences.”
A John Lewis spokeswoman said staff at the call centre“play a crucial role”in supporting the company’s online operation,“especially at a time when our branches have closed”and that the majority of staff there are “now working from home”.
Highlander say that waste disposal has been classed as an official, essential industry.