STAFF at a superstore distribution centre in Swindon walked out twice over coronavirus safety concerns.

The GMB trade union hit out at Marks & Spencer claiming there were dangerous working conditions at the DHL-managed site.

Stock handlers left on March 24 and 26 because they were worried about the lack of precautions taken to prevent the virus spreading.

GMB branch secretary Andy Newman said: “Our members are extremely frightened by the working conditions, lack of social distancing, and lack of facilities to keep clean and safe. Thi led individuals to remove themselves from what they see as a dangerous situation.

“GMB demands that Marks & Spencer steps in to ensure that only essential work is done, and that safe social distancing is enforced, and that work practices are modified to meet government guidelines to prevent virus contagion.”

The superstore chain has closed its in-store clothing and home operations while keeping its foodhalls and online shop running.

A M&S spokeswoman said that precautions were taken while they scaled back the work being done.

She said: “M&S fully supports the government’s efforts to protect the NHS and save lives.

“This does mean a change to our operations. We know these are difficult times and our logistics partners are doing all they can to support and update their brilliant teams, from the strict social distancing and hygiene measures they’ve put in place at their sites to furloughing where necessary.”

Mr Newman added: “The distribution centre in Swindon has been scaled back as it only carries clothes. The night shift has been suspended but the day shift is still working.

“We are told that food distribution may shortly be moved to this site but this certainly hasn’t happened yet. This distribution centre, in our opinion, is not currently in a condition to handle food in a sanitary and hygienic way.

“GMB shop stewards have challenged managers at team briefings about the impossibility of maintaining the two metre distance between workers and about the lack of hand sanitiser and PPE. They have challenged the practice of handing equipment from one member of staff to another without any hygiene precautions. Sadly, our shop stewards have been shouted down by managers.

“GMB has asked that the senior site managers should come and address the workforce, but they refused. One DHL manager did agree that if staff did not feel safe they could leave the site, and this led to a walk out of most stock handlers. But now DHL is saying that they will not pay staff who don’t turn up for work, even though the staff don’t feel safe.”

A DHL Supply Chain spokesman said: “The UK government considers the work done by the logistics industry to be essential. As a result, the Swindon distribution remains open, although with reduced volumes.

“In these exceptional times, the safety of our employees and customers is paramount. Since the start of last week the distribution centre has been following the government’s guidelines around social distancing, with regular enforcement by management.

"All staff have been briefed on the importance of social distancing and the correct way to hand wash, while soap and hand washing facilities are readily available.

“We have implemented a number of new measures at the site. These include floor marking at key locations to help colleagues maintain distance, staggered break times, and canteen seating arrangements that allow colleagues to stay at least two metres away from each other. We introduced a maximum number of people per work area per shift to ensure colleagues are spread out across the site.

“The management team is actively monitoring the site at entry and exit points, and at the start and end of shifts, to ensure full compliance. All non-essential workers who can perform their roles from home have been told to do so, and all high risk team members have been instructed to self-isolate.

“We will continue to carry out regular briefings while actively engaging with our on-site trade union steward to ensure the wellbeing of all our colleagues.”