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Three employee’s test positive for Covid-19 at Co. Armagh firm as Health and Safety pay unannounced visit

Thompson Aero Seating

Employees at a major Co. Armagh firm have raised grave concerns over the spread of Covid-19 on the premises.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) paid an unannounced visit to the Chinese-owned Thompson Aerospace in Portadown on Thursday following on from a number of employee concerns.

It comes after the company revealed three employees had tested positive for the coronavirus.

A representative, speaking on behalf of a group of employees at the Seagoe plant, told Armagh I that some staff had raised concerns over the lack of social distancing measures in place.

He also raised concerns over a potential outbreak of the coronavirus among employees, some of which have gone off sick, however, operations continue at the base.

He added a number of complaints were lodged with HSENI as a result.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive told Armagh I: “We can confirm that an unannounced inspection was carried out at Thompson Aerospace today. We are unable to provide any further information at this time.”

A spokesperson for Thompson Aerospace, speaking to Armagh I, said: “Three employees of Thompson Aero Seating have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently self-isolating.

“Our thoughts are with them as we wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“Thompson Aero Seating is following all government guidelines as well as those from the Health and Safety Executive. We continue to communicate closely with employees and are implementing all measures to protect our people including the provision of PPE and additional deep cleaning at our sites.

“The health and wellbeing of our people is our priority at all times.”

The company paid off around 350 contract workers back in March.

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