Canteen staff at Amazon's warehouse in Warrington say they have "huge concerns" over social distancing and not being given protective masks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
They are employed by BaxterStorey at the fulfilment centre's canteen, where they claim social distancing procedures are not being followed.
BaxterStorey runs the canteen at the Amazon site on Orion Boulevard, and staff told BusinessLive they didn't think they should be working as they are not “essential” employees.
One of the workers sent an image of the canteen that appears to show people not adhering to government guidelines, which include keeping a 2m distance from others at all times.
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The picture is believed to have been taken at the end of last week.
The outbreak has seen the government order all non-essential businesses and shops to shut, but there are various exceptions including takeaways and those serving online retail - at all times following strict social distancing and hygiene rules.
BaxterStorey said it was following that government guidance, which states that “where there are no practical alternatives, workplace canteens can remain open”, and that measures to “ensure colleagues are protected at work” are being followed.
But one concerned employee told : “There’s no personal protective equipment available. We have asked for masks, but the manager refused it.
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“There's no concern at all - it's profit before people. I am genuinely concerned warehouse workers are in close proximity as it is, despite everything, still being allowed in canteens like this.”
A second said they were “very concerned” about being classed as essential workers, adding that the canteen “should be shut in order to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus”, as social distancing is “not possible”.
They added: “Workers are queuing up for food which completely ignores the social distancing rule that has been put forward by the Prime Minister. This is a huge concern for my health and wellbeing."
When contacted for comment, John Bennett, co-chief executive at BaxterStorey, said: “We continue to follow Government guidance which states workplace canteens can remain open to provide food for customers.
“The health and wellbeing of our teams is our number one priority and we have been following Public Health England and 海角视频 Government advice, introducing measures to ensure our colleagues are protected at work.
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“Food manufacturers and distributors have been identified as key workers by the 海角视频 Government and we continue to provide an essential role in supporting them. We have moved to a full takeaway service, contactless payments are in use and we are enforcing social distancing throughout dining spaces.
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"We are introducing a self-service function, further reducing contact between individuals.
"Our approach to cleanliness and hygiene continues to be stringent and proactive as we support our customers to provide essential services.”