MP seeks answers over 'troubling' firing of Portsmouth coronavirus testing staff
‘TROUBLING’ concerns over the sacking of a number of coronavirus testers at a city site have been flagged by an MP.
Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth South MP, has demanded answers from the regional head of Sodexo, Sean Hanley, following the firing of staff at the city centre testing facility.
It comes after The News revealed that six staff had lost their jobs after taking coronavirus tests while on shift.
The workers claimed they had been allowed to take a test for ‘peace and comfort’ during their shifts at the facility, behind the University of Portsmouth’s Eldon Building.
But Sodexo, which runs the site, said rules had changed which meant any workers who received a test must self-isolate immediately, regardless of the results or symptoms.
In a letter to Mr Hanley, Mr Morgan said free testing for employees ‘working in a front-line role is common sense’ and supported the ‘physical and mental wellbeing’ of staff.
Mr Morgan demanded to know why the staff were fired and what changes had been made to their contracts.