Unipres boss confirms that 14 employees have tested positive for coronavirus

The company, which returned to full production in May following the lockdown, has recently seen an increase in Covid-19 cases among employees.

The managing director of the car parts factory, Gary Graham, revealed that despite the slight increase in cases, no one has been reported seriously ill and those who are affected are not at work.

Mr Graham commented: “As one of the largest Tier 1 suppliers in the region, supporting 1,000 jobs in a heavily industrialised environment, strict health and safety protocols are of paramount importance.

“Since a staged return to full production in May, Unipres encountered a recent increase in Covid-19 cases, with 14 employees from across the plant returning positive tests.

“Unipres continues to adhere to all current Government protocols, ensuring the health and wellbeing of all our employees.

"Thankfully, nobody has reported to have been seriously ill.”

The managing director has also insisted that the company is following all Government protocols, with all employees briefed on the current guidelines.

He added: “Every employee, from press shop to boardroom, is thoroughly briefed on current regulations, receives precise proximity working guidelines to fulfil their roles safely and is equipped with the appropriate PPE for the job.

“Unipres has also introduced a strict policy that if anyone is suffering the symptoms of Covid-19, they must not come to work and seek testing immediately.”

In March, Mr Graham was forced to defend the company, which employs over 1,000 people on Wearside, after it was claimed that the Government’s guidelines were not being followed.

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