Arriva slammed for response after driver at Northfleet depot tests positive for coronavirus
08:44, 27 August 2020
updated: 12:56, 27 August 2020
Bus company Arriva has been criticised for its response to news one of its employees had tested positive for Covid-19.
It's claimed a driver who was based at the Northfleet depot raised concerns with his employers after finding out the news on Tuesday.
Unite, the union which represents more than 60,000 bus drivers in the UK, has criticised the company for not telling colleagues and passengers "swiftly".
Arriva says it is "being guided every step of the way by expert organisations".
The union claims the infected worker was in work the previous day and spent nearly an hour with staff in the canteen and on a ferry bus.
It went on to say it advised Arriva to tell the eight to 10 people, who were thought to be in contact with the driver, to self isolate while on full pay, but claim Arriva rejected this idea due its premises being "Covid secure".
Unite regional officer Dave Weeks said: “The lax attitude of Arriva to this Covid-19 positive case is alarming. It means that potentially other workers and the general public are now at greater risk of exposure to the infection.
“The drivers at Northfleet now believe that management are not interested in their health and well-being and are more interested in profits than people.
“What made the case even more alarming is that Arriva’s senior management did not appear to know what policy and procedures should be followed in such circumstances.
“Arriva has to up its game. It must ensure that drivers have not been exposed to Covid-19 and that they are not potentially spreading it.
"Further, any worker who has been exposed to the virus in the workplace should be fully supported by their employer to take the appropriate public health precautions, and not suffer a financial penalty as a result.
“Unless companies take a responsible attitude and ensure that workers can self-isolate and are fully paid, then workplace transmission of Covid-19 is going to increase."
Area managing director for Arriva Oliver Monahan said: “The safety of our passengers and colleagues is Arriva’s number one priority. We are being guided every step of the way by expert organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive and Public Health England.
"We have implemented measures in line with the latest government guidance and in consultation with Health & Safety experts, employee and union representatives to ensure all of our workspaces and vehicles are Covid-19 secure. We can confirm a colleague has tested positive for Covid-19 and in line with NHS Test and Trace we will fully support any colleagues who may be requested to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or a public health professional.
"This is an isolated case and is not deemed as an outbreak. We will continue to follow all the latest guidance to keep our workspaces Covid-19 secure and our colleagues and customers safe."
