A group of seven SNP MPs have written to call centre company Teleperformance after dozens of fearful employees contacted them over claims they felt intimidated to work during the coronavirus lockdown.
Politicians representing constituencies where the company has sites across Scotland came together after receiving the same pattern of complaints from employees.
Their group consists of Stewart McDonald, Glasgow South, Amy Callaghan, East Dunbartonshire , Alison Thewliss, Glasgow Central, Neil Gray, Airdrie & Shotts, Mhairi Black, Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Anne McLaughlin, Glasgow North East and Stuart McDonald , Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East.
The company, which provides outsourced call centre operators for the motor insurance service across Scotland, has told employees that they are to be designated as key workers delivering “critical services” during the pandemic.
Staff also claim they are being told that if they do not feel comfortable working then they are to stay at home and will only receive statutory sick pay, despite government support to pay up to 80 per cent of people’s wages.
On top of that, the group of politicians say staff concerns are being dismissed and that employees are being told to carshare if they are unhappy using public transport.
Employees have said they are being told to turn up to work - where they say social distancing guidelines are not being observed - even if they live with vulnerable people.
In a letter to Gary Slade, the chief executive of the company, the MPs said: “Your staff want to work in a safe and healthy environment, and it is clear from what they are telling us that this is not happening.
“At best there is a casual disregard for people’s concerns from line management, at worst they are made to feel threatened and intimidated.
“Every single person who has contacted us has asked to remain anonymous because they fear losing their job. They have zero confidence in your company’s internal whistleblowing procedures.”
The MPs warned that if they do not see a change in the company behaviour they will report their concerns directly to the police and the Health and Safety Executive.
Teleperformace were approached for comment.
