Doncaster rail firm denies 'massive' coronavirus outbreak among factory workers

Rail engineering firm Wabtec has said that while there have been confirmed cases at its premises in Hexthorpe, the numbers are low and measures have been put in place to protect employees.

Earlier this week, figures touted by workers, who declined to be named, suggested that as many as 50 people at the works – still known locally as The Plant – had tested positive for Covid-19, describing the outbreak as 'massive.’

A spokesman for the firm said that currently, just 2% of its Doncaster work force had tested positive for coronavirus and that those workers had been sent home to self isolate.

He added: “The safety of our workers is our priority.

"Like many employers, Wabtec is not immune from coronavirus and we have all the relevant measures in place to protect our colleagues.

"This includes increased social distancing, enhanced cleaning measures and individuals being placed in quarantine should they test positive.

"In line with the Government’s national lockdown restrictions, we have also asked workers to work from home where possible.”

Earlier this year, the firm announced plans to halve the workforce at the historic works, cutting 450 jobs from a 950 strong employee base.

The works, birthplace of the historic Flying Scotsman and Mallard, have long been one of Doncaster’s biggest employers.

Wabtec Corporation is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. It employs 27,000 people in 50 countries and supplies components and services to the global rail industry.

It is one of the 500 largest firms in the US and has $8bn turnover.