The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Council co-leader stands by Diageo Covid-19 post
FIFE: Alexander criticised over claim plant worker had tested positive
Fife Council co-leader David Alexander has defended a social media post sparking fears a driver at drinks giant Diageo’s plant in Leven had tested positive for Covid-19.
The Leven, Kennoway and Largo SNP councillor, on Wednesday evening in a Facebook message, relayed the details of a phone call he received and said vulnerable staff at the Banbeath bottling hall needed to know to “make their own decisions” about working at the site.
Diageo has categorically denied a driver had tested positive but confirmed a driver for one of the company’s contractors was self-isolating after developing a cough.
While Mr Alexander says he has “no reason to believe” what he was told is not correct, opponents have branded his comments as “thoroughly irresponsible” and even called on him to resign.
Mr Alexander told The Courier he is aware of a number of anonymous staff concerns about absences, whether bottling alcohol should be deemed essential and in particular, social distancing at the complex.
“Diageo is hugely important to Levenmouth,” he said.
“Personally, I am the first member of my family who hasn’t worked at Cameron Bridge in 150 years.
“I am also privileged, if that is the right term, to know what provisions have been put in place to fight this virus and protect the population.”
A Diageo spokesperson said: “It is not true that a driver coming on site at Diageo in Fife has tested positive for Covid-19.
“A driver for one of our contractors has been advised to self-isolate as a precaution after developing a cough.
“The driver and our contractor acted immediately to take all the necessary steps to comply with guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, and Diageo has followed up with a thorough investigation to safeguard our employees.”
Labour councillor Colin Davidson said he was “surprised and disappointed” by Mr Alexander’s actions.
“If it transpires Mr Alexander has not contacted the company or the chief executive of Fife Council to verify the accuracy of his assertions, then many observers would think he should consider his position as co-leader.
“It is disappointing and the potential damage this has done to a company who has invested hundreds of millions in Levenmouth is incalculable.”
Independent councillor Linda Holt also described Mr Alexander’s post as “thoroughly irresponsible”.
A Diageo spokesperson said: “We are strictly following advice from our medical advisers in relation to WHO guidelines and also complying with the guidance set out by the UK and Scottish governments, that alcohol manufacturing can continue on condition of having rigorous social distancing and sanitation protocols in place.”