Claims defiant Fife businesses could be risking lives

Non-essential businesses across Fife that have stubbornly remained open despite advice could mean the difference between life or death.

The stark warning comes after local politicians said they had been swamped with messages from concerned workers.

The Courier understands police were called to visit Bosch Rexroth in Glenrothes on Thursday morning instructing them to close, but management at the plant – which specialises in drive and control technology – refused to do so, citing differences between Scottish and UK government advice.

An email to staff sent by managing director Alastair Johnstone, seen by The Courier, stressed shift handover processes had been changed and panels had been installed on assembly lines to increase separation between workers, while there was also a call for employees “strongly encouraging” social distancing.

But it added: “In the absence of legislation, we will continue to follow UK Government advice as we are at present.”

Glenrothes MP Peter Grant says his office has been inundated by messages from workers of firms they believe are flouting the rules.

“Nearly all of these come from manufacturing employees who claim their employers are falsely saying that their specific business is of critical importance and has to stay open.

“In many cases the employees say it is impossible for them to maintain a safe two-metre distance from their colleagues while at work.

“It’s frankly not credible every single one of them is making things that are critically important to our response to Covid-19 or to the maintenance of vital public services.

“What’s really disappointing is that I’ve previously visited many of these businesses and regarded them as good employers who genuinely cared about the people who worked for them.

“Fife is at the stage in this outbreak where I genuinely believe the next few weeks could make a big difference to how many people live and how many die. The stakes could not be higher.”

Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley has written to the Scottish Government for clarification.

“The message must be clear: If your business is not on the frontline then shut up shop and protect your workers,” he said.

Mid Fife and Glenrothes SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth said the Scottish guidance is “clear”, and has written an open letter to businesses asking them to keep their employees at home.

GMB Scotland organiser Helen Meldrum said there is still uncertainty among nonessential workers about payment entitlements and childcare options. She added: “We still have no idea what will happen to people who are not identified as key workers where schools are closed but they have no other option for childcare.

“It is inconceivable that there is any suggestion members will have to go without pay, and unless there is serious ministerial intervention very soon, we are heading into a complete poverty and hunger crisis.”