People working for a catering firm at an Amazon warehouse say they cannot socially distance at work and are unhappy at not being given protective masks to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Concerned individuals employed by BaxterStorey at the Warrington site's canteen have contacted the ECHO to say social distancing procedures are not being followed and they don’t think they should be working as they are not “essential” employees.
BaxterStorey runs the canteen at the Amazon site on Orion Boulevard, one of the online giant's fulfilment centres.
One of the workers sent an image of the canteen that appears to show people not adhering to government guidelines, which include keeping a 2m distance from others at all times.
The picture is believed to have been taken at the end of last week.
The Covid-19 outbreak has seen the government order all non-essential businesses and shops to shut, but there are various exceptions including takeaways and those serving online retail - at all times following strict social distancing and hygiene rules.
BaxterStorey said it was following that government guidance, which states that “where there are no practical alternatives, workplace canteens can remain open”, and that measures to “ensure colleagues are protected at work” are being followed.
But one concerned employee told the ECHO : “There’s no personal protective equipment available. We have asked for masks, but the manager refused it.
“There's no concern at all - it's profit before people. I am genuinely concerned warehouse workers are in close proximity as it is, despite everything, still being allowed in canteens like this.”
A second said they were “very concerned” about being classed as essential workers, adding that the canteen “should be shut in order to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus”, as social distancing is “not possible”.
They added: “Workers are queuing up for food which completely ignores the social distancing rule that has been put forward by the Prime Minister. This is a huge concern for my health and wellbeing.
“Profit means more to the company than the health of their hard-working staff.”
When contacted for comment, John Bennett, co-chief executive at BaxterStorey, said: “We continue to follow Government guidance which states workplace canteens can remain open to provide food for customers.
“The health and wellbeing of our teams is our number one priority and we have been following Public Health England and UK Government advice, introducing measures to ensure our colleagues are protected at work.
“Food manufacturers and distributors have been identified as key workers by the UK Government and we continue to provide an essential role in supporting them. We have moved to a full takeaway service, contactless payments are in use and we are enforcing social distancing throughout dining spaces.
"We are introducing a self-service function, further reducing contact between individuals.
"Our approach to cleanliness and hygiene continues to be stringent and proactive as we support our customers to provide essential services.”
