BOSSES at a busy Port Glasgow store have addressed claims that their handling of coronavirus cases was putting the lives of staff and customers at risk.

The Tele reported last week that the management team at the M&S store in the Port retail park had been criticised for their handling of positive cases.

Our source told us that staff were 'beside themselves with worry' following a colleague testing positive after showing symptoms at work.

Now bosses have held talks with shopfloor staff in a bid to thrash things out and find a way forward.

This was the second time since the start of the pandemic that the store had been criticised.

In May, we revealed that employees at the store were at 'breaking point' and said to be working in fear due to the shop's approach to Covid regulations.

The claims at the turn of the year included only two members of staff being advised to isolate after a positive diagnosis.

It was also alleged that employees were being asked to return to work immediately after a coronavirus test without awaiting the result.

Our source also highlighted the absence of handwash in the staff canteen and deep cleans not being carried out regularly.

M&S denied that staff are told to return to work immediately after a test and said staff were 'supported to self-isolate straight away'.

Bosses also stated that additional cleaning measures had been in place since the start of the pandemic.

After the story appeared, employees are said to have been in dialogue with store management.

A source says the workforce are now feeling more positive about working conditions in the store.

They added: "We're hopeful that this is the 'kick up' they needed and for a safer workplace in these unprecedented times."