Tennent’s refute claim safety is compromised
Brewing giants insist strict Covid measures are in place
Brewery giants Tennent’s has strenuously denied allegations that Covid-19 safety measures are being neglected at its Cambuslang site.
The Reformer was contacted by a disgruntled depot worker who made a number of claims against the company since returning from furlough last month.
The employee claimed that no testing or temperature checks are being undertaken, and that training sessions regarding Covid-19 have been scrapped.
However, Tennent’s refuted the claims and added that stringent measures are in place and being adhered to.
The worker claimed that some colleagues are being worked “to the bone” with overtime shifts, while others remain off on furlough.
He said: “It’s really tough and quite frightening. It’s as if everything has just gone back to normal and the coronavirus has been forgotten about.
“We were told there would be a day’s training about the coronavirus and how we should be working now, but they scrapped that.
“The drivers are all working two to a vehicle and are supposed to be in bubbles with one other person, but that’s not being enforced either.
“It’s impossible to socially distance in the job and a lot of the guys are worried about what is happening.
“They aren’t even testing people’s temperatures at the start of shifts.”
In March, a worker collapsed at the Tennant’s warehouse and was taken to hospital and subsequently diagnosed with coronavirus.
At least 15 other employees were sent home as a result.
The concerned worker who contacted the Reformer added that increased demand for Tennant’s product is also having a negative impact.
He said: “Everyone is worried about their jobs being at risk, but the demand has gone up since we got back.
“However, there are still guys on furlough, and those who are back are being worked to the bone.”
However, Richie Webster, the group operations director of C&C Group plc, who own Tennent’s, refuted the allegations.
He said: “The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is our greatest priority.
“Cambuslang Depot has continued to operate throughout the Covid-19 crisis, complying fully with and in many instances going beyond government guidelines.
“This has been achieved in an environment that sees stringent daily audits, by management, health and safety teams and employee representatives to ensure that all areas adhere to safe social distancing and all other health and safety requirements.
“All of our sites across Scotland, including Cambuslang Depot, have put in place significant measures to ensure the safety of our colleagues, business partners, community and customers
“These measures include full risk assessment and consultation with employees and their union representatives to implement extensive training on new ways of working for all management and staff, including those returning from furlough.”
He added: “We have also introduced updated systems of work for employees incorporating Covid-19 specific actions both on our premises and during deliveries to our customers including personal protective clothing and equipment.
“All of these measures have been put in place in consultation and with the agreement of the UNITE union.
“All colleagues at Cambuslang are working within their agreed contractual hours.
“Recognising the increased workload as Scotland’s hospitality sector moved into the latest phase of re-opening on July 15, we un-furloughed 15 people earlier than originally planned.
“For any staff returning from furlough we have taken account of their personal circumstances to ensure that it is safe for them to do so.”