Workers at an Asda warehouse are allegedly 'fearing for their safety' amid claims there has been a coronavirus outbreak.
A number of concerned employees at the Asda George distribution centre, in Chesterton, have contacted StokeonTrentLive to say around seven of their colleagues have been taken ill with Covid-19.
One worker said management are 'doing their best not to let anyone talk about it'.
They said 'we're worried for our safety'.
While Asda has not denied there have been confirmed cases at the Lymedale Business Park site, it insists strict measures are in place to protect the workforce.
The worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told StokeonTrentLive: "There's been at least seven confirmed cases that I'm aware of.
"The management are doing their best not to let anyone talk about it.
"Two of those affected were from the same department but the rest of the team are working as normal.
"There's no enforcement of wearing masks or distancing. We're worried for our safety."
Another added: "I know of six workers who have tested positive at the packing centre. The bosses have told the workers to keep quiet and are not offering tests."
Asda says measures in place to protect workers include thermal imaging camera to detect whether anyone has a temperature, a track and trace system, deep cleaning, tannoy announcements reminding workers to stay two metres apart and to wear masks and signs in place.
An Asda spokesman: “We would never comment on individual colleague circumstances, but the safety of both our colleagues and customers has been our key priority throughout the pandemic.
"This is why we have extensive measures in place across all our stores and depots, including thermal imaging cameras, readily available PPE and hand sanitizer, and signage that reminds colleagues of the need for social distancing.
"Our customers and colleagues can rest assured that we continue to follow government guidance by asking any colleagues with coronavirus symptoms to immediately self-isolate and are supporting them by providing full pay during the isolation period.”
