Primark staff ‘scared’ as pictures taken INSIDE Islip warehouse show social distancing guidelines flouted

Images of logistics staff at Primark’s huge Islip distribution centre have been posted on social media after people working there became concerned for their safety amid the apparent flouting of social distancing guidelines imposed as part of the coronavirus pandemic.

The East Northants warehouse is still open despite Primark’s physical stores being shut and the firm having no online sales operation.

Concerned workers there were among hundreds of others at many different local firms who have continued to contact the Northants Telegraph since our story on Thursday that highlighted the worries of non-essential workers who were still being told to come in to work.

Many more staff at different companies have come forward to tell our reporters that, despite some of their firms being named in our story, they are still being expected to work with incorrect PPE, poor handwashing facilities and without the required two metres between workstations.

Now Islip Primark staff say that they are scared for their own safety.

One worker said that social distancing was lax, adding: ”The offices above the warehouse are all empty. Management are operating on a skeleton staff.

”There is very little work to be done. A lot of the staff don’t speak or read English. They are all frightened for their jobs.

”None want to be there.”

Bosses said that despite rumours, there had been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the site.

A Primark spokesman said: “In line with government advice, our Islip depot remains open as we continue to process inbound deliveries. We are currently working to reduce the number of employees required and will update those concerned accordingly.

“The health and welfare of our employees is our top priority and we continue to follow advice from public health authorities. We have introduced several precautionary measures to help prevent any spread of COVID-19 in the vicinity including increased cleaning and social distancing. We also encourage all employees to wash their hands regularly and provide hand sanitiser for regular use.”

After hearing of the plight of thousands of workers in Corby, East Northants, Kettering and the surrounding areas who are still in work despite the government advising people to stay at home, MP Tom Pursglove said he had been receiving dozens of emails each hour from constituents on a wide range of issues and had raised the issue of workplaces not obeying social distancing measures with ministers.

He said: “The government has issued a clear set of guidelines for employers.

“Businesses need to be adhering to these and there is no excuse for the social distancing requirements not to be enforced and upheld. If businesses are unable to do so then they should be closed.

”If people have examples where this is not happening it is really important that they report this to environmental health or trading standards.

“I am very happy to make appropriate representations. This (social distancing) is not optional.”

Are you at work in a place where new coronavirus conditions are being flouted? If it’s safe for you to do so, please try to take a picture and send it to [email protected] or via our social media channels. Please do not put your job at risk to do so. All contributors will be kept strictly anonymous.