Bosses at the Upper Clyde’s last shipyard have triggered fury after staff claimed they have been ordered to turn up for work.
Workers at Ferguson Marine – now owned by the Scottish Government – were stunned to receive a letter saying they must report for work as usual despite the new Covid restrictions.
An insider claimed workers travelled from all over central Scotland to work at the yard but bosses said they strictly adhered to the guidelines.
The insider said: “How can working on a ferry that is three years behind schedule be deemed to be an essential service?
“It is ridiculous and unfair to force people into work when we are in the grip of this pandemic. There are people travelling from all over the place to get here.
“It is heavy-handed, bullying management which openly ignores the Scottish Government’s own guidelines. The boys are in work but they have been forced back, practically with their arms up their back.
“Clearly, health and safety have been relegated to second place in the priorities here.”
The note to staff at the Port Glasgow site said: “Normal work will resume as planned with Covid safeguards in place.
"We will continue to review these safeguards and the opportunity for working from home and will work closely with workforce representatives to make sure Ferguson operates in a safe and effective way.”
Kenny Jordan, of the Unite union, said: “Where there are unavoidable issues such as shielding and travelling to and from work, these must be raised with management and the unions to ensure no workers’ safety is compromised.
"If any worker feels the strongest possible safety measures are not being adhered to or they can’t travel safely to work then we encourage them to contact their trade union.”
Tim Hair, director at Ferguson Marine, said: “Ferguson Marine has always complied with Scottish Government guidelines on Covid.
“The First Minister made it clear the manufacturing industry can continue to operate and it is permissible to leave home to go to work if you cannot work from home.
“The majority of the employees are in jobs which can only be done at the shipyard.”
The Scottish Government said: “It is permissible to leave home to go to work if you cannot work from home.”
