GLASGOW Life staff have said the arm's-length council body has had them attending work - but with nothing to do when they get there.

Library workers say that over the weekend they were made to come into buildings that were shut to the public due to coronavirus.

Now union bosses have called on Glasgow Life to give a clear plan for what they deem to be "essential work" - especially in light of the government decree to stay at home.

One library worker said: "We were told we had to turn up to work and follow social distancing and frequent hand washing advice.

"But that still meant we were travelling on public transport and mixing in groups when we are supposed to be at home for the safety of other people.

"There was literally nothing for us to do so we were hanging about in a closed library twiddling our thumbs when the advice is clear that all non-essential staff should be in their houses."

Glasgow Life said it was only asking a skeleton staff to come in to work to ensure facilities are maintained.

But Unite the union said it took until Sunday for the organisation to move to only asking essential workers to come to work.

Wendy Dunsmore, Unite regional industrial officer, said: "The Government’s advice is clear that we should avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible, work from home where possible and avoid gatherings in public spaces.

"However, Glasgow Life continue to give mixed advice, potentially dangerous advice, as many workers who we believe should not be attending work continue to be given instruction to do so.

"We repeat our call for Glasgow Life to engage with Unite in order to ensure clarity is immediately brought to this situation before anyone is unnecessarily put at risk."

A spokesman for Glasgow Life said: “In line with the government’s advice on reducing social contact Glasgow Life temporarily suspended all services from the evening of Tuesday, March 17 and closed all venues to the public.

"Although the buildings we operate closed to the public, a skeleton staff remains on rota to support essential functions and to ensure that the facilities remain maintained and can be re-activated to support city needs and emerging priorities.

"Staff have regularly been reminded of current government advice around social distancing as part of regular communications.

"The safety of everyone who works for us and uses the venues and facilities remains our highest priority."

On Monday night Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a historic address to the nation putting the country into lockdown.

Mr Johnson detailed a short list of reasons why individuals can leave their homes as he ordered the immediate closure of all shops selling non-essential items.

He ordered people to only leave the house to shop for basic necessities "as infrequently as possible" and to perform one form of exercise a day.

They could seek medical help, provide care to a vulnerable person or travel to work if "absolutely necessary".