A RECYCLING and recovery firm has denied claims that it is docking its staff's pay and confirmed that three of its staff are self isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

SUEZ confirmed that some staff from its depot in Colley Lane, Bridgwater, are self isolating after one of its employees told the Bridgwater Mercury that more than 20 people have tested positive for Covid-19 at the depot in the last week.

The employee, who wished to remain anonymous, claims the staff went home to self isolate but a number of members of staff they were in contact with have not self isolated or been tested for the virus.

They also claim staff are being changed over on a regular basis and are not being kept in bubbles on site and that none of the depot staff are being regularly tested for Covid-19.

It was also alleged that crews who work for SUEZ are having their pay deducted as drivers are picking them up from their homes.

But spokesperson for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK denied claims that staff are having their pay deducted and said drivers are picking up crews at a pick-up point to reduce the number of people travelling into the depot.

The company said the health and safety of its crews is its 'primary concern' and they have introduced 'a number of preventative measures and changes' to their operations in a bid to 'reduce mixing between staff as much as possible.'

“We can confirm that three members of staff at our Bridgwater depot are currently self-isolating following positive test results for Covid-19," a SUEZ spokesperson said.

"These positive cases are from unrelated incidents.

"The health and safety of our crews is our primary concern and we have a robust company policy in place to help reduce risk for these key workers during the pandemic. Staff members have been instructed to alert their line manager and begin self-isolating immediately if there are reasons to suspect infection.

"They are also asked to identify any colleagues that they have had close contact with so that they too can be told to self-isolate.

"We encourage adherence to this policy and accurate reporting by ensuring that any staff member who is sick with COVID-19 or self-isolating due to exposure will be paid in full for the time that they are unable to work.

"We have also introduced a number of preventative measures and changes to our operations in order to reduce mixing between staff as much as possible.

"One of these changes is to encourage crews to meet their driver at an agreed pick up point on route each day to reduce the number of people travelling into the depot. In some cases this can shorten the work day and thereby reduce overtime hours, but all staff members continue to receive pay that is in line with their contract and the hours worked.

"Individual crews are also kept separate as much as possible during the work day.

"We are closely following guidance from Public Health England and it is not currently recommended that workers in our industry are tested unless they are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

"This policy is constantly reviewed and will be updated should government advice for our industry change.

"We recognise that this is a challenging time for many and staff members are encouraged to speak to their line manager if they have any concerns. Everyone at SUEZ and the Somerset Waste Partnership are working hard to ensure that our teams can continue to safely deliver this vital service for the residents of Bridgwater.”