A PEMBROKESHIRE based engineering company has been branded the “worst employer” in their response amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The GMB Union, which represents over 620,000 workers nationally, has hit out at Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, based in Pembroke Dock, at their handling of employees rights during the Covid-19 crisis.
Managing Director, Nick Revell, has hit back at what he calls ‘unfounded comments.’
The firm, which has been a longstanding employer within the county, contacted their employees on Wednesday (April 8) by email to inform them there was no requirement for staff to sign furlough agreements, as they were covered by a layoff clause within their contract.
GMB have taken to their website to claim this clause “simply does not exist”.
Ledwood have committed to paying staff just 50% of their basic contracted hours as a furlough payment, with the promise to reimburse workers only if the company qualifies for the government support scheme.
In addition, during the first four days that workers were laid off, the company has informed staff they will only receive statutory guaranteed pay which amounts to just £29. GMB have stepped in to label this illegal with staff entitled to 100% pay.
GMB have reassured members that they will fight the management through the courts if needed, calling the changes illegal.
Jeff Beck, GMB regional organiser said: “We’ve been dealing with many companies across Pembrokeshire who are all responding to COVID-19, and without doubt Leadwood Engineering have been the worst.
“We’ve seen worker’s contracts and the layoff clause they claim to be using, simply does not exist.
“Whilst we all face uncertainty, the Governments rules are very clear that staff need to be consulted before their contracts are changed and Furloughed staff should be entitled to at least 80% of their pay.
“GMB members should have no doubt that we will fight any illegal deduction of wages all the way to the courts and recover the monies owed to them.”
MD Nick Revell said: “These are incredibly difficult times for everyone as we unite as a country to protect lives and livelihoods.
“Our absolute priority is the safety and welfare of our employees which is why we introduced safe working operations to comply with social distancing rules as quickly as possible. We are also doing our best to secure the long-term commercial viability of the business so that we can continue to employ as many people as possible. This is particularly important in an area like Pembrokeshire where employment opportunities are limited.
“That’s why we are doing all that we can, as quickly as we can to protect and support our employees including furloughing wherever possible. At all times, this has been and will continue to be in line with Government guidelines.
“It is therefore very disappointing that our trade union partners have chosen to make such unfair and unfounded comments. We had hoped that they would understand the commercial and economic reality of the impact that Covid-19 is having on our business and adopted a more supportive and collaborative approach to addressing the challenges together.”
