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.
By Tom Cotterill
Published 19th Jan 2021, 16:14 BST
The Covid testing station at the University of Portsmouth Picture: Duncan ShepherdThe Covid testing station at the University of Portsmouth Picture: Duncan Shepherd
The Covid testing station at the University of Portsmouth Picture: Duncan Shepherd

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Related topics:Stephen MorganSodexoPortsmouthUniversity of Portsmouth

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.