Unions say workers’ welfare a ‘prime concern’ amid coronavirus outbreak

Airport workers have reported not being given gloves or hand sanitiser, GMB union said.

Airport staff have raised concerns over a lack of protective equipment as the new coronavirus continues to spread.

Staff at Manchester Airport working for a Chinese airline told GMB union they were given face masks but not gloves or hand sanitiser.

The worker said: “Passengers put their passports in their mouths and the staff are touching them.

“They’ve only been given masks. I asked a manager about gloves, wipes and hand gel.

“I got the stock answer: ‘I’ll ask’.”

And employees at East Midlands, Liverpool and Stansted airports said there was not sufficient protective equipment, the union said.