'TERRIFIED' canteen staff from the Amazon distribution centre in Gourock say they're living in constant fear of COVID-19 infection.

The workers —who are employed by an outside firm — want management to allow them to go home because social distancing of two metres is impossible.

Hundreds of people work at the Faulds Park base and canteen workers say that employees of Amazon still on duty at the facility should bring in packed lunches in order to minimise health risks.

One staff member said: "This is not just a stupid wee bug — it's killing people.

"We're all terrified but we're also scared to speak out.

"People are serving at the tills and dealing with every single person in there every day."

A colleague added: "We're hearing that workplace canteens should be closed but we're being told to just carry on.

"We've been told that we're 'key workers' but that can't be right because surely staff who are working here can bring in packed lunches?

"There is high anxiety and people are suffering mentally right now because they know they should be at home but don't want to lose their jobs either."

Another source told the Telegraph: "I am concerned as there are staff working in there that cannot be two metres apart at all times and they also have families with vulnerable or elderly members."

John Bennett, co-chief executive at Baxter Storey — which provides the catering service to Amazon — said: "We continue to follow government guidance which states workplace canteens can remain open to provide food for customers.

"The health and wellbeing of our teams is our number one priority and we have been following Public Health England and UK Government advice, introducing measures to ensure our colleagues are protected at work."

Mr Bennett added: "Food manufacturers and distributors have been identified as key workers by the UK Government and we continue to provide an essential role in supporting them.

"We have moved to a full takeaway service, contactless payments are in use and we are enforcing social distancing throughout dining spaces.

"We are introducing a self-service function, further reducing contact between individuals.

"Our approach to cleanliness and hygiene continues to be stringent and proactive as we support our customers to provide essential services."