A BUSINESS boss hit back after being accused of putting profits before the safety of staff in the current lockdown.

Billy Grant, director of North Glasgow Roofing Ltd, claims he is the victim of a “malicious and vindictive” attack.

A whistleblower claimed the family-run firm, which carries out roof repairs and has been running for 15 years, was forcing staff to continue to work or resign - which has led to some workers walking out - flouting distancing restrictions and allowing employees to share vans.

They claimed the company is not providing an essential service and should therefore be accessing the government’s job retention furlough scheme.

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The source said: “Cleaning gutters and small building repairs is not essential.

“Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly said construction unless directly involved in the fight against Covid-19 should stop.”

However, Mr Grant said work being carried out by his firm included emergency repairs such as water ingress in buildings.

He said all staff had been provided with PPE equipment and said he would expect employees who are fit to work to continue to do so.

He said: “We have put a robust plan in place for all employees and they are all working safe and well.

“We believe this is a malicious and vindictive attack on the company.

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“All our additional health and safety measures put in place are available on request and our health and safety manager is available to discuss any items if required.”

“Our work is essential because we are protecting buildings and property. We are dealing with water ingress, which carries its own health risks.

“We are not doing anything wrong.”

Mr Grant acknowledged that a small number of staff had been sharing vans, but said this had been arranged for those unable to drive and that this would now be re-visited.

He said: “They were happy to be picked up and dropped off but if they aren’t happy we may need to stop that.”