Confusion surrounding work at large Northampton food factory during lockdown

An employee at a Northampton food production factory has been left ‘gobsmacked’ by instructions surrounding working during the lockdown.

Greencore, in Moulton Park, makes a huge range of food for local convenience stores and is classed as a key worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company has to continue producing food during this period, but according to an employee there is less work than normal.

The worker who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’m part of the vulnerable group who has been told they can take their 12 weeks sick pay as we have to isolate. But that’s concerning because what happens if we fall ill when we come back and we’ve already taken our sick leave.

“Some others who aren’t in this group have also been sent home when they turned up for their night shift and others have been sent home without pay.

“They’re saying there’s not enough work.

"They’ve put workers on the back burner, it’s not fair and the company keeps gobsmacking us.”

The company has responded to these claims and disputes that anyone has been sent home without pay.

Greencore says any employees who cannot work will receive at least statutory sick pay, depending on what their contract states.

A spokesman for the company said: “In order to protect the health and well-being of its employees, Greencore can confirm that it has given colleagues in vulnerable categories the option to self-isolate and stay away from work.

“In the event that colleagues choose to do so, they will continue to be paid in line with the terms of their contract. This ranges from full pay to statutory sick pay, depending on the type of contract.

“Colleagues can of course return to work at any time if and when they feel able to do so.”

The company also responded to the concerns over decreased workflow and employees being sent home.

The spokesman added: “Greencore can confirm that it is working through a number of initiatives to help its Northampton site navigate its way through the short-term disruption that is being caused by COVID-19.

“One such initiative is altering shift patterns and staffing requirements at different times of the day.

“The company is still working through a lot of detail given the constantly changing nature of the issue, and cannot comment further on specifics until the situation becomes clearer.

“More broadly, Greencore Northampton has an absolutely critical role to play in keeping the UK fed at this hugely challenging time for everyone.”