Carlisle's Pirelli Factory staff to go back to work

Pirelli's tyre factory in Carlisle is to resume production two months after work was ground to a halt because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Bosses say work is to restart at its plants from Monday 18 May.

The company, which is the city's biggest employer, has put in health and safety measures as bosses say their top priority is the wellbeing of staff and the wider community.

With that in mind, production will begin again at a reduced rate at first, reflecting the current market demand.

Only a small number of employees will return on-site, and some staff will work from home - including those in commercial and administrative roles.

Employees in high-risk groups, such as those with health problems and the elderly, will remain at home.

Credit: PA

Safety measures for employees returning to work will include:

  • Temperature screening for everyone entering Pirelli sites;

  • Compulsory PPE use for all employees (facemasks, gloves and hand sanitiser);

  • Observation of social distancing (two metres between people) in all areas at all times;

  • Restricted numbers in communal areas;

  • Cleaning and sanitising of work areas several times per day