‘We’re scared’: Employees react to working in Northampton food factory at centre of outbreak

A number of employees have reacted to working at Greencore during the coronavirus outbreak or the thought of having to return to work.

The food factory, based in Moulton Park that makes sandwiches for M&S, has been the centre of an outbreak as nearly 300 employees tested positive. Despite Lucy Wightman, Director of Public Health at Northamptonshire saying, the company has ‘highly effective measures in place’, some members of staff have been left concerned by measures, treatment and testing protocols.

One employee who is self-isolating said: “We are scared.

“The biggest problem is people self-isolating then coming back to work without another test.

“Half of the 300 might still have it when they come back.

“In two weeks, we think it will still be the same. It’s not perfect at all.”

In response to the claims about re-testing, the company has confirmed it will re-test all employees who tested negative, although will not implement mandatory retesting for those who have been self-isolating.

A Greencore spokesman said: “The advice from PHE is that once isolation is complete, there is no requirement to retest as the risk of infection no longer exists.

“However, there is an NHS testing site outside the factory and all employees are being encouraged to arrange a test if they have any concerns whatsoever.

“Furthermore, we are retesting all employees who previously tested negative as a precautionary measure.”

Another employee who spoke to the Chronicle & Echo was concerned about how seriously managers were taking social distancing measures.

She said: “It’s just very stressful. I hate it.

“Managers rarely ever treat us with respect and we never get to finish on time. Honestly, most days you leave with your backs hurting until you can’t stand, and you never get a thank you.

“They only pay around £90 a week for sick pay, even if you’re in self-isolation, so that's why there's so many cases, but no one wants to admit anything.

“I only continue to work here because I have nowhere else.”

The Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union that represents Greencore staff has, however, said following the outbreak there are now colleagues walking around checking social distancing is being obeyed and they even have a steward from the union acting as distancing marshal too.

Branch representative, Nicolae Macari, said: “The company is trying to implement a few things to take the pressure off to make sure the factory is not congested.

“They’re trying to put in more precautions and they’re trying to make sure all temperatures are taken, but it needs to actually be happening rather than just trying.

“Members are afraid. They don’t know what will happen.

“They’re terrified there will be more and more cases and they’re worried about taking it home to their family.

“Their other main worry is money. All those self-isolating are on around £95, which is a struggle for them.

“If they’re not feeling too well, they are afraid that they won’t be able to pay their bills or feed their families.”

The Greencore spokesman added: “Since the start of the outbreak, we have been liaising closely with PHE East Midlands, Northamptonshire County Council and Northampton Borough Council, who are fully supportive of the controls that we have on site.

“All of Greencore’s sites have wide-ranging social-distancing measures, stringent hygiene procedures and regular temperature checking in place, and we are doing everything that we can to keep our people safe.

“As ever, the health and well-being of our colleagues is our number one priority.”

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