‘More guidance needed’ as hundreds still work
URGENT guidance on what amounts to “essential” work amid the coronvirus lockdown is being demanded – after hundreds of plumbing staff were reportedly ordered into work despite new rules.
Unite the Union claims 700 staff were asked to attend work by Glasgow-based firm McAlpine Plumbing yesterday, just hours after Boris Johnson’s address to the nation in which strict new measures were introduced to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
Unite said it has received reports of multiple facilities of the plumbing firm
– including at Coatbridge, Hillington, Johnstone, North Cardonald and Thornliebank – remaining open despite the news that non-essential workplaces should close with immediate effect.
The union is now demanding “crystal clear” guidance on what is deemed as “essential” work to help businesses.
David McGurk, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “Unite was informed this morning that McAlpine Plumbing, which has multiple operations across Greater Glasgow, is categorising its workforce as essential which we believe to be totally incorrect.
“Around 700 workers have travelled to work with many working inches away from each other and who also have to use public transport to get into work, and thereafter to make their way home.
“The company’s factories often have up to 200 workers with toilet and canteen facilities being shared.
“Unite’s members are rightly concerned about their safety but they are also worried that if they go home then they will not receive their wages.
“So, we are demanding that the Scottish and UK governments give crystal clear advice to employers that if workers are not deemed essential then they should be sent home with immediate effect and that there should be no detrimental impact on their pay.”
A statement posted on McAlpine Plumbing social media pages yesterday reads: “We are seeking urgent clarification from the Scottish Government and we intend to update both staff and the public once we gain further clarification.”
We have approached the firm for comment.