Fears over supposed COVID-19 'outbreak' at Falkirk job centre

A source told The Falkirk Herald they were “very concerned” about the way the Jobcentre Plus in Wellside Place is handling an “emerging coronavirus outbreak” at the premises.

They added: “There have been several confirmed cases of coronavirus among staff in the past week. Management have kept the job centre open for staff and still have claimants attending face-to-face appointments when there is clearly an outbreak within the building.

“The only measures being taken have the staff who have been working in proximity of suspected case being sent home for the day for the area to be cleaned. Then they are told to return the following day.

“This clearly goes against the self-isolation and book a test advice and a further two members of staff have now had confirmed positive coronavirus results.”

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) stated Falkirk job centre remained open, but would neither confirm or deny if there were staff members who had tested positive for the virus.

A DWP spokesperson said: “We do not comment on health matters concerning our individual staff members. However, the health and safety of our staff and our customers is an absolute priority.

"We take all precautions that are advised nationally.”

The job centre in Charlotte Dundas Court, Grangemouth was closed on the afternoon of Thursday, September 24, supposedly to undergo a deep clean after a member of staff tested positive for COVID-19.

Staff were then reportedly told to return to work the next day for “business as usual”.