ANOTHER Bakkavor factory has been hit by more than 70 cases of coronavirus just days after the company said it was introducing new safeguards into its Devizes operation.

It was revealed yesterday that the firm's desserts factory in Nottinghamshire had 72 positive cases and on-site testing was being carried out.

Nottinghamshire County Council has worked with the management team at Bakkavor in Newark to set up the testing following the positive cases.

Shona Taylor, business director for desserts at Bakkavor, said: “We understand the importance of the testing and I have been immensely proud of the management team and all the efforts that have been made to ensure we could deliver this for our colleagues.

"The programme has been positively received, and colleagues have been supportive and reassured that every effort is being taken to ensure their safety.”

Jonathan Gribbin, director of public health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Bakkavor have been very co-operative and we hope that the testing of their employees will allow us to find out more about where people are acquiring the infection.

On Friday Bakkavor announced that it was making changes in Devizes after the Gazette revealed one employee had died from Covid-19 and 13 had tested positive. But no testing is being carried out.

Bakkavor, which is based on the Hopton Industrial Estate, has introduced new payments of staff that have the virus and have to self-isolate and a new bus service.

A spokesman said: “Bakkavor Desserts in Devizes has announced further measures it has put in place, on top of the on-site controls that have already been implemented, to support and protect its colleagues during the current COVID outbreak.

“The company is giving a ‘top up’ payment to full basic pay to those colleagues who are confirmed as having the virus or who are self-isolating.

“In addition, to minimise car sharing Bakkavor has also organised a bus service for its colleagues travelling between Swindon and Devizes. It will be mandatory for colleagues to wear face coverings and social distance whilst on the bus and government guidance on safer transport will be applied.”

Shona Taylor, business director of Bakkavor Desserts, said: “The health and safety of our colleagues has and always will be our foremost priority and as a responsible employer we are doing everything we can to protect and support them.

“We hope that these additional measures demonstrate that we recognise the financial burden our colleagues may face whilst having to self-isolate during this outbreak and that we are actively working to minimise the spread of the virus by providing this transport option.

Rachel Kent, public health consultant at Wiltshire Council, said: “We are pleased that the bakery has taken the decision to provide a top-up to those staff required to take time off work. This positive action will ensure that employees can follow guidance without worrying about lost income which will help stop the transmission of the virus."