Employers must create space for social distancing: MLA

The SDLP’s spokesperson on the economy, Sinead McLaughlin, says that, while essential services must continue, employers must change their operations to protect the workforce.

“Reports of employees working in close proximity against the advice from the Public Health Agency are deeply disturbing,” she said. “Employers have a duty to their staff and to the public to take every measure to introduce social distancing in the workplace. This is a moral and public health imperative.

“Those businesses that are not implementing safe social distancing need to urgently reorganise their operations, even if that means reducing their production levels. It should never be a choice between product or public health.

“We should also remember that there are businesses that are abiding by the public health advice. They’re going to great lengths to put new measures in place to protect their staff and ensure the public still have access to services. At a time of crisis, we need to reflect on the positive work that’s happening.

“The Executive has worked hard to provide as much guidance as possible. I want to thank ministers for their work to date. We now need additional direction to employers in essential sectors compelling them to observe two metre distancing.”