Halifax employer respond to claims of staff negligence during Covid-19 crisis

The Halifax Courier has been informed by a Nestlé employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, that its Halifax branch, on Bailey Hall Road, is breaching safety standards.

The Halifax branch, home of Quality Street, is still up and running during the recent Covid-19 outbreak and has said staff are still working during this time, supplying 'vital food and drink' to 'maintain a sense of normality' and 'keep spirit's high'.

Toni Biggin, factory manager at Halifax, said: “We're proud and grateful to our employees at Halifax who are working hard during this unprecedented time.

"The health and safety of everyone working at our sites is our key priority at this time and we take our responsibility for our employees very seriously.

"We have every possible measure in place to make sure our factory is safe.

"We have had social-distancing in place for many weeks, as well as screening installed where needed.

"We continue to follow the advice and guidance of Public Health England."

However, a disgruntled employee of 13 years has raised concerns the company is not taking the Covid-19 crisis seriously.

The employee said: "It's a great company to work for with lots of good benefits and great morals until recently.

We are currently having to live through a worrying time and this is where Nestlé has let it's employees down.

"We're currently having to continue working as we are considered a key company supplying food to the consumer.

"Between March and April, Halifax Nestlé is in low season as the demand just isn't there for chocolate.

"March is when the Easter egg season has finished and we really don't start increasing volume on Quality Street and After Eight production until the summer as it's a Christmas season product.

"Now would be an ideal time to close the factory down to ensure all employees safely isolate, which sends out a clear message about taking this virus seriously.

Unfortunately we have to continue working - why?

"Chocolate has a 12-month shelf life it's not fresh produce and the demand just isn't there.

"Nestlé sets out excellent standards and we follow a message of six golden rules.

"Rule number one is safety is non-negotiable; well in this circumstance is so far opposite of the standard it wants to portray.

"I'm sure our factory manager Mrs Biggin is only following government guide lines but surely common sense should have prevailed here and a three-week lock down put in place to help stop the spread of of this virus.

"Chocolate is a luxury it's not essential there is plenty in stock and certainly isn't worth risking people's lives."

Mrs Biggin said the company have in fact scaled back the production in Quality Street Halifax to producing five days worth of product rather than seven to support people who need to self-isolate.

"We produce our products throughout the year to meet demand and to make sure we can provide chocolate at Christmas, which our consumers will be looking forward to more than ever this year," said Mrs Biggin.

"Our eggs season has finished and our Quality Street 2020 UK season starts in March until Christmas.

"The Government recognises that food and drink is absolutely vital during these uncertain times – not only for keeping us healthy and maintaining a sense of normality, but for keeping the country going in the weeks ahead.

"Keeping people’s spirits up in this time of uncertainty is important, and some of our products, especially our confectionery, will give people that sense of normality.”

Unite the Union, a British and Irish union has also been monitoring the situation at the Halifax factory.

Regional officer Sue Pollard said: “We have a very good reps committee at Nestlé in Halifax and no issues relating to coronavirus have been reported back to Unite.”

A statement from Nestlé said: "All food manufacturers are being asked to support each other and play their part to making sure people have access to products, and close to home, to ensure people are not travelling any further than they need.

"Our products are staple items for millions of households across the UK & Ireland.

"The entire food industry is supported by Government to carry out these jobs, whilst maintaining the highest standards and keeping everyone safe."