Barnsley ASOS workers "terrified" over lack of social distancing
Pressure's mounting on the company to close the site
We're hearing staff at ASOS in Barnsley are "terrified" to go to work - as pressure grows on the company to shut its warehouse in the town.
Workers there claim it's impossible to practice social distancing inside, with reports that many employees are breaking the rules.
The GMB Union claim the company is 'playing Russian roulette with people's lives'.
One worker said: “It'll be like a domino effect, if one gets it, we'll all get it and people will lose their lives. "
Another said: “They are playing roulette with people’s lives.”
Barnsley East MP Stephanie Peacock's had hundreds of calls from workers. She wants it shut:
"People are terrified. I've had really heartbreaking emails and calls to my office of people who are really scared. They can't afford to lose their jobs and they're terrified they'll lose their lives if they go to work."
The council visited the warehouse in Barnsley on Friday and were satisfied with the measures put in place.
In a letter to the company, Matthew Gladstone from Barnsley Council offered them "continued support" and said his team was "reassured to see the measures you have put in place to maintain social distancing for the protection and welfare of your employees."
But Stephanie Peacock MP has written to the council asking for an unannouncced visit to take place:
"I think the government should shut non-essential workplaces and allow people to socially distance at home.
"They say they are, and I understand it's difficult for business, but the hundreds of emails I've had say the opposite."
A spokesperson for ASOS said:
"To protect jobs and the economy as much as possible, UK Government has advised online retail to stay open.
"As the largest private employer in Barnsley, and with the support of Barnsley Council, we're still operating with all appropriate safety measures in place.
"Safety and wellbeing of staff and customers remains our top priority and we're following Government advice, including strict social-distancing across our sites."
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