Staff at Ollerton firm say factory putting them at risk by flouting coronavirus rules

Employees at Clipper Logistics, a distribution company on Boughton Industrial Estate, say its 600 plus workers are operating in closely confined areas and not provided with hand sanitiser or masks.

They also say the company which provides “essential service” supplying items such as toilet rolls is still running its non essential product operations.

Carly Toni Maddock, who walked out from the company last week, said: “I’d had enough. They called us ‘drama queens’ when we expressed concerns and say we are only bothered about money and time off. It’s disgusting the way people were spoken to and treated.

“They were not taking coronavirus seriously. There was no hand sanitiser, people are not working 2m apart. People needed to self-isolate, but it goes down as absence and they don’t want to lose their jobs.”

Another employee said: “We have contracts with Wilko, ASDA, John Lewis. We are unhappy that Clipper’s distribution centre remained open whilst other business closed to combat Coronavirus.

“We’re told we are an ‘essential service’ because we distribute toilet rolls, kitchen towels and pain medications, on the Wilko contract ONLY.

“The majority of orders shipped seem to be for non-essentials like paint and gardening items, order volumes are at pre-Christmas peak levels. We feel a loophole is being exploited by Wilko's and Clipper Logistics profiting whilst competition is reduced.

“We clock in using fingerprint scanners, there’s no hand sanitiser, no masks and corridors and doorways are narrow, people are near each other. They are putting us at risk.”

Cllr David Lloyd, Newark & Sherwood District Council leader said: “We are receiving calls and emails from concerned employees in various environments and workplaces. Except for those already subject to specific advice, councils cannot proscribe which premises and activities are ‘essential services’, it’s a matter for national Government in liaison with businesses continuing to operate.

“We are in liaison with relevant organisations to advise on proper distancing and safety measures and, where necessary following reports from staff and the public, to investigate as necessary.

Clipper Logistics have been contacted for comment.