'The atmosphere is horrible and we're scared' - Plusnet employee's safety fears as Sheffield office remains open during coronavirus lockdown
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The anonymous worker claims that while the internet provider has put some safety measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus, social distancing guidelines are not being routinely observed.
He also told how many staff could work from home but were being prevented from doing so, adding: “The atmosphere is horrible and we’re scared every time we go to work.”
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Hide AdA spokeswoman for Plusnet defended conditions at its city centre office on Pinfold Street, saying: “Our priorities are keeping our customers connected and our people safe. We have strict social distancing measures in place and we are enabling home working wherever possible, increasing the number of people doing this every day.
“We are very clear that we are asking staff to come in only if they are healthy and able to do so. If they aren’t, or need to self-isolate, we are paying them in full. We’d like to thank our people for all their hard work in helping to keep our customers in touch with their friends and family.”
The anonymous employee said that hand sanitisers were available, regular cleaning was taking place and staff had been moved to sit two seats apart in the office, where he said around 150 people were working across four floors.
But he claimed people were still sitting closer together than the recommended two metres, with some working directly opposite their colleagues.
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Hide Ad“The canteen is open with lines placed on the floor but nobody is abiding by these rules, and some corridors are narrow meaning there is no way you can you keep a two-metre distance in them,” he added.
“The second floor is full, with no social distancing, and there is no reasonable room on any of the contact centre floor.
“The work can be completed from home but management are refusing to do so. Every time it is raised they're saying we're key workers.”