National logistics company tells workers it WILL NOT shut Northampton site if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19

A huge national logistics company has told employees that it will not shut one of its Northampton sites, even if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Clipper Logistics has more than 30 branches across the UK, three of which are in Northampton and one is in Daventry, that deal with the shipment of retail goods.

In response to the coronavirus lockdown imposed by the Government, employees at the Sandy Way, Grange Park warehouse, where Zara clothes are handled, have received a 11-point email addressing the company’s stance.

The email, seen by Northampton Chronicle & Echo, states that if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, the site will not close.

Sent by management, the email goes on to suggest that coughing and sneezing is ‘likely to be hayfever’.

The document says: “If, in a rare instant, the site has a case of COVID19, the site will not close.

“Therefore, there is no point in telling people you have the virus when you do not. Anyone who behaves in this way will be investigated through the disciplinary process and please note this is a breach of H&S, and would be treated as gross misconduct.

“Anyone choosing to return before their isolation period has ended or attends work with the basic new symptoms will be dealt with in the appropriate way.

“Please note that we are entering the pollen season so anyone sneezing or coughing does not automatically have the virus, it’s likely to be hay fever.”

The first point of the email says the site is 'not part of the governments list of companies to close'.

The other points then go on to address issues such as child care and moving shifts around, as well as statutory sick pay for those self-isolating and the ability of the company to move workers to another site if needed.

Employees who received this email were left shocked by the company’s disregard for the Government guidance on helping to decrease the spread of the virus, with one saying it was ‘ridiculous’ that the site would not close if there was a confirmed case.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo contacted Clipper Logistics for comment about the email, but they have not yet responded.