News
Union says Ledwood is ‘worst employer’ during Covid-19 pandemic
A PEMBROKESHIRE based engineering company has been branded the “worst employer” in their response amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The GMB Union, which represents over 620,000 workers nationally, has hit out at Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, based in Pembroke Dock, at their handling of employees rights during the Covid-19 crisis.
Managing Director, Nick Revell, has hit back at what he calls ‘unfounded comments.’
The firm, which has been a longstanding employer within the county, contacted their employees on Wednesday (April 8) by email to inform them there was no requirement for staff to sign furlough agreements, as they were covered by a layoff clause within their contract.
GMB have taken to their website to claim this clause “simply does not exist”.
Ledwood have committed to paying staff just 50% of their basic contracted hours as a furlough payment, with the promise to reimburse workers only if the company qualifies for the government support scheme.
In addition, during the first four days that workers were laid off, the company has informed staff they will only receive statutory guaranteed pay which amounts to just £29. GMB have stepped in to label this illegal with staff entitled to 100% pay.
GMB have reassured members that they will fight the management through the courts if needed, calling the changes illegal.
Jeff Beck, GMB regional organiser said: “We’ve been dealing with many companies across Pembrokeshire who are all responding to COVID-19, and without doubt Leadwood Engineering have been the worst.
“We’ve seen worker’s contracts and the layoff clause they claim to be using, simply does not exist.
“Whilst we all face uncertainty, the Governments rules are very clear that staff need to be consulted before their contracts are changed and Furloughed staff should be entitled to at least 80% of their pay.
“GMB members should have no doubt that we will fight any illegal deduction of wages all the way to the courts and recover the monies owed to them.”
MD Nick Revell said: “These are incredibly difficult times for everyone as we unite as a country to protect lives and livelihoods.
“Our absolute priority is the safety and welfare of our employees which is why we introduced safe working operations to comply with social distancing rules as quickly as possible. We are also doing our best to secure the long-term commercial viability of the business so that we can continue to employ as many people as possible. This is particularly important in an area like Pembrokeshire where employment opportunities are limited.
“That’s why we are doing all that we can, as quickly as we can to protect and support our employees including furloughing wherever possible. At all times, this has been and will continue to be in line with Government guidelines.
“It is therefore very disappointing that our trade union partners have chosen to make such unfair and unfounded comments. We had hoped that they would understand the commercial and economic reality of the impact that Covid-19 is having on our business and adopted a more supportive and collaborative approach to addressing the challenges together.”
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
Crime
Banned for sleeping in car whilst over the drink drive limit
A MOTORIST caught sleeping in a BMW in MIiford Haven town centre has appeared before magistrates for being in charge of a motor vehicle when he was over the legal alcohol limit.
Police officers discovered John Steele, 30, soon after 5.30pm on March 9 when he was asleep in his red BMW which was parked in a car park at Hamilton Terrace.
“The engine was running and the lights were on,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton who was sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
“Officers smelt alcohol, he was intoxicated and he was slurring his words.”
Officers were unable to carry out a roadside breath test as a result of them not being in possession of a breathalyser at the scene of the incident. Steele was conveyed to a police custody suite where two samples of breath were subsequently taken, the lowest giving a reading of 44 mcg.
Steele, who is employed as a machine technician in Selby, pleaded guilty to the charge of being in charge of a motor vehicle while he was above the alcohol limit.
He was fined £400 and ordered to pay a £160 court surcharge and £85 costs. His licence was endorsed with ten penalty points.
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