Glasgow Covid testers face pay cut for working on Christmas Day

Agency staff employed by Mitie at the Edelwood Hall in Hamilton will work five -hour shifts next week.

The standard hourly rate for Covid testing at the centre is around £11. According to one worker, who lives in the East End of Glasgow, they walk away with around £132 after a 12-hour shift.

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But on Christmas Day, they will walk away with around £110.

Many of those based at the Hamilton site rely on public transport to get to work, and with none available on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, workers say they will have to fork out exorbitant prices for taxis on December 25.

The member of staff, who has asked not to be named, claimed that they face a pay cut compared to workers who are scheduled to work on the bank holidays of December 27 and 28. They said: “We will be paid double time only for hours worked.

“Our normal shift is 12 hours so effectively we are taking a wage cut for leaving our families on Christmas Day.

“Our colleagues who are working the Monday and Tuesday are getting 12 hours double time both days. They are getting to spend the festive season with family and access to public transport.

“The taxi fares from Glasgow to Lanarkshire will be more than what I earn that day. It’s a shoddy way to treat front line staff who are exposed to live Covid cases every day.”

A spokesperson for Mitie said: “Our priority is to support the nation’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and help keep the country running.

Testing is a critical part of the nation’s strategy to combat COVID and we’re proud to support the government with this vital task by delivering services during the festive season.

We would like to thank all our frontline heroes who will be working hard to support the UK throughout the Christmas period. We are very proud of the vital services they provide.”

It is understood employees will be offered the chance to work in a centre closer to their home address however Mitie will not cover the cost of transport.

Scottish Labour Shadow Minister for Employment, Paul Sweeney said the situation facing Covid testers was “intolerable.” He added: “It’s intolerable that those working in testing centres on Christmas Day will be paid less than they would if they were working on any other day of the year. I completely understand why centres are only open for part of the day, and that will allow those working to enjoy Christmas with their families, but the fundamental point is they will be poorer as a result of doing so.

“There’s also a huge concern about travel to and from work on Christmas Day, particularly for those who don’t drive or own a car. As an employer, it is not fair to ask staff to pay exorbitant taxi fares to get to their work only to then be paid less than normal when they get there.

“Those who work in our testing centres are on the frontline against this virus, and they should be adequately compensated for doing so as a minimum. If we want testing centres to function efficiently, well paid motivated staff are essential and I would urge the companies involved to seriously rethink their pay arrangements over the holiday period.”

The UK Government set the opening hours to the testing centres for the festive period. Appointment slots will be available via an online booking system.

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “We continue to work night and day to ensure testing is accessible across the country. This vital work will not stop for Christmas, with minimal disruption to our services.

“NHS Test and Trace can help contain the spread of coronavirus, but I urge everyone to celebrate responsibly and remember hands, face, space throughout the festive season.”

The Glasgow Times also approached the local MP Angela Crawley for comment.