Leamington factory workers express grave concerns about working conditions amid Coronavirus pandemic

Several employees working on the workshop floor at AGA Rangemaster in Clarence Street have contacted The Courier to say that they are worried that it will not be possible for them to exercise 'social distancing' to help prevent the spread of the virus while the factory remains open and operating.

All of the employees have asked to remain anonymous.

One said: "This company is still expecting track and shop floor staff to work they cannot work two meters apart.

"It's impossible but the company is still expecting staff to turn up for work totally against Government guidelines for the Coronavirus.

"This is disgraceful and is putting workers' lives at risk."

Another worker said: "As an employee of AGA Rangemaster for over 20 years I am writing to tell you of the dreadful situation at the factory in response to the Government Covid 19 lockdown.

"We are among the biggest private-sector employers in the town with over 250 people working on the shop floor.

"Our owners, Middleby Corporation have shown scant regards to Government policy.

"We are a non-essential business, and people are still working shoulder to shoulder, with the social distancing rule impossible to police.

"This point has been made to the company but has fallen on deaf ears.

"Our fear as workers is how many people may be carrying the virus, and how fast it will spread into the wider community.

"We still have no indication as to when or even if we will close.

"Office staff have been working in isolation for over a week, and people on the shop floor are treated as second class citizens.

"It is purely profit before people - It's a disgrace."

Another added: "The company wants to remain open but is not following the Coronavirus guidelines.

"Employees are doing a stock take together.

"The two-metre distance rule is nonexistent.

"They are not listening to our union reps.

"There has been no communication from them about the ongoing situation."

AGA Rangemaster has responded with a lengthy statement.

A company spokesman said: "Following the Government’s announcement on Monday 23rd March, we have addressed all concerns raised by colleagues throughout the business and continue to put the health, safety and wellbeing of AGA Rangemaster employees at the forefront of the company’s decision-making processes.

"A working group has been set up to cover all areas of the business to review the ever-changing Government guidelines and create a plan of action. We have daily reviews to make decisions and co-ordinate actions on operational issues, business continuity planning and the health, safety and wellbeing of our teams.

"Appropriate measures have also been introduced in our manufacturing and warehousing operations, in accordance with Government guidelines, including (but not limited to):

"*Regular hand washing.

"*Regular sanitising of ‘high risk’ areas.

"*Actively implementing a strict minimum working distance of 2m by reducing personnel on the production line and sub-assembly areas.

"*Splitting shifts within the warehouse to limit the number of employees on site.

"*Closure of canteen to ensure social distancing during breaks.

"*Minimising all external visitors to our production facilities.

"We continue to review the ongoing situation with Coronavirus on a daily basis and will take appropriate action and measures as required.

"As a responsible employer, AGA Rangemaster strictly adheres to Government and WHO advice, while remaining fully committed to providing an ongoing service."