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Worried workers voice concerns about the failure of some businesses to close

 Dan Kerr
 Dan Kerr  Dan Kerr

WORRIED workers have voiced concerns about the failure of some businesses to close their doors despite government warnings.

It is understood that some firms in east Tyrone remained open yesterday despite guidance for non essential businesses to close.

Hundreds are believed to have gathered for work at several plants across the county yesterday.

The engineering sector is a significant employer in the area. It is understood that while some have introduced social distancing measures, staff members remain deeply concerned. One worker, who did not want to be named, said people are afraid to speak up.

“It’s like a seesaw. You have the fear of losing your job and then you have health and safety fears for yourself and your family,” he said.

He added that some people did not want to be at work and that there was a lack of information about British government plans to pay the wages of people who lose their jobs as a result of the crisis.

Mid Ulster independent councillor Dan Kerr urged businesses to provide employees with up-todate information.

“People are concerned and their rights should be looked after,” he said. “It would be great if the local engineering firms would advise and keep them up to