Investigation launched after 28 PrettyLittleThing workers test positive for Covid-19 in Sheffield

Sheffield MP Clive Betts told The Star that the public health investigation into the cluster at the fashion warehouse around a month ago found that the virus had been transmitted in the community rather than in the workplace.

He said it emerged that most of those who contracted the illness lived together and shared lifts to work.

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The MP said he was contacted by workers concerned about the safety of so many people working under the same roof at the start of the pandemic lockdown and checks were carried out.

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He said there were concerns about the lack of enforcement of social distancing and hand sanitising systems and about the level of training offered to temporary staff drafted in to cope with a huge increase in online shopping during lockdown.

The MP said he reported the concerns to Sheffield Council’s environmental health officers and the Health and Safety Executive and the warehouse was inspected on a number of occasions.

Mr Betts said he has been contacted by dozens of workers over recent months.

“It was concerning to receive so many complaints, and they were reported to the council and Health and Safety Executive and inspections were carried out,” he said.

“I went to Sheffield’s director of public health, Greg Fell, when 28 workers tested positive for Covid 19 at the same time but his view after investigating was that it had been transmitted in the community and not the warehouse.

"They looked at who had it, where they worked, whether they were connected outside of work and they tended to live together and share lifts.

“I will keep monitoring the situation.”

Details of the cluster emerged after Home Secretary Priti Patel was said to be considering introducing new laws on modern slavery amid concern at working conditions at some fashion warehouses.

Fashion company Boohoo, which owns PrettyLittleThing, has appointed a top lawyer to look into allegations that factories involved in the making of its clothes were paying below the minimum wage and breaching safety rules.

The board said it was ‘shocked and appalled’ by the allegations

Boohoo had more than £1 billion wiped from its share value in two days after an article alleged that workers in a Leicester factory making clothes destined for Boohoo were being paid as little as £3.50 an hour.