Local MPs demand ‘clarity’ for local warehouse workers being exposed to COVID-19

Three local MPs - Debbie Abrahams, Jim McMahon, and Tony Lloyd - have written to Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, demanding clarity about whether local warehouse workers, in the online retail industry, are essential workers or not.

Debbie, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “In the letter we said we are aware of the pressure the Government and their officials are currently working under, and emphasised our appreciation for their ongoing efforts. 

“However, the issue we’ve raised is about the number of workers there are in large warehouses, supporting the online retail industry, in the Oldham and Rochdale areas and whether they come under the definition of essential or non-essential businesses.

“The Government’s attempt to bring about lockdown still lags some way behind other European countries, where this type of activity has been forbidden. Italy, for example, closed all non-essential production on 23rd March.

"There is a real difficulty in maintaining at least 2 meters between these workers by virtue of the work that they do. This increases the risk of transmitting the virus between people. A partial lockdown like this can’t continue. Only essential work should continue and this must be clearly defined.

“Our letter follows one that I wrote to the Business Secretary last week, also calling for the Government to halt work in all non-essential businesses and non-essential construction work.

“Local workers are understandably concerned and need clarity; they don’t want be put themselves, or their families, at risk unnecessarily.”

The letter to the Business Secretary was sent by the MPs after they were each contacted by constituents who work in a number of warehouse and distribution businesses operating in Oldham and Rochdale, raising their concerns.

This particularly related to the lack of personal protective equipment and the difficulties in maintaining at least 2 meters between workers. In addition to writing to the businesses concerned and contacting unions representing these workers, the MPs have also had conference calls with senior managers from the businesses.

Jim, MP for Oldham West and Royton, said: “Local employers in the North West, make the point that if the Government is urging these industries to remain open, then their competitors, overseas and domestic, will more than likely continue to trade, which in turn encourages them to follow suit. But companies have said if the Government orders closure, they will abide.

“The brutal facts, and these are brutal facts, are that people will contract coronavirus and, or, pass on the virus to vulnerable loved ones, if they are expected to continue to work, particularly in these large-scale, warehousing conditions. 

“We understand that there is an economic question in all of this, but ultimately, this has to be a question of individual health and safety, and through that a collective health and safety issue in pandemic circumstances. 

“We also know that there are other examples of industries that continue to work where it isn’t obvious that they are essential in getting us through the coronavirus crisis.” 

Tony, MP for Rochdale, said: “Without a tougher response from the Government, the measures announced by the Prime Minister this week will not achieve their desired outcome of flattening the curve, saving lives and protecting our NHS. 

“Without government clarity and leadership many companies are uncertain about their own future, and are understandably worried about financial viability without greater support. 

“It is essential that there is a clearer message that social distancing isn’t simply advisory, but mandatory with enforcement in the workplace. Where the nature of the business makes this impossible the government should extend support for larger companies with turnover above £45m, and consider more flexible options including widening coverage of the job retention scheme. 

“In this context, that’s why we’re urging the UK Government to clearly define what are essential or non- essential industries and for them to instruct all those defined as non-essential businesses to close as soon as possible.” 

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.