Coronavirus: Sensata move to ‘voluntary minimal operational workforce’

The firm, which makes sensors, switches and controls for multiple industries, revealed the measure as it responded to claims about safe distancing at its Carrickfergus operation during the coronavirus outbreak.

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA John Stewart told this newspaper that a number of workers at the Trooperslane Industrial Estate site had contacted him with concerns.

In response, a spokesperson for Sensata, which also has a factory in Antrim, said: “As a global company with employees across the Americas, Europe and China, we have been navigating the Covid-19 situation since January. The health and safety of our people is a priority at this time and we have implemented many measures to ensure that Sensata’s sites in Northern Ireland are operating in line with the government’s requirements on social distancing and personal hygiene.

“These steps to date have included asking everyone who can work from home to adopt this strategy, cancelling all face to face meetings, introducing hand sanitising points at all entrances and exits and prohibiting all non-essential visitors from entering the sites.

“We recognise that this is a very difficult situation and that there is a lot of uncertainty for our employees which is why from today we will also be moving to a voluntary minimal operational workforce.

“We expect that the current pandemic is likely to have an impact on our business for the coming two to three months and we are mindful that we need to ensure that we have a viable, thriving business for the long-run.

“We will continue to maintain the strictest of safety measures to try to ensure our team’s health while on site.”

Meanwhile, Mr Stewart also said workers from Larne’s Caterpillar plant had been in touch with him earlier this week to voice concerns about safe working practices during the covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the firm said: “Caterpillar continues to operate its Larne facility while adhering to the government’s guidance. Our employees’ safety, health and well-being remain a top priority.”