STAFF working at a Darlington warehouse have said they are in "serious danger" after claiming further colleagues have tested positive for Covid following an outbreak last week.

Workers at the Magnet site on Allington Way, off Yarm Road, have raised further concerns stating they believe "nothing will be done" to prevent further confirmed cases at the warehouse.

But the company has refuted any suggestion it is not following guidelines, saying it had "immediately investigated" concerns, conducting an audit of all safety measures – and that it had "robust" safety plans in place.

Last week the kitchen maker, which is owned by Nobia, said that five of its workers at the site had tested positive for Covid as workers raised concerns over a lack of social distancing.

SEE MORE: Safety concerns raised after Covid 'outbreak' at Darlington warehouse

At the time, workers said they had been left feeling "scared" to come into work while alleging that bosses were not enforcing measures and that Magnet was not taking the precautions needed.

But The Northern Echo has been told by workers that several more colleagues have tested positive as pictures taken last month showing workers flouting social distancing rules emerged.

The Northern Echo: Workers were seen not social distancing Picture: CONTRIBUTOR Workers were seen not social distancing Picture: CONTRIBUTOR

A worker, who asked to remain anonymous, raised concerns over the company's internal track and trace system claiming they had not been told a close-working colleague had tested positive.

They said: "We're not being informed about anything, it is especially worrying when one of the victims is someone who works very close to me and and my workmates on a daily basis.

"The test and trace system is useless, we should have been informed that he is infected."

Another worker, who also asked to remain anonymous, said they had been made aware of further positive tests over the weekend.

The worker, who also took a picture showing what appears to be a soiled cleaning station within the site, said they believed nothing will be done.

The Northern Echo: Picture: CONTRIBUTORPicture: CONTRIBUTOR

They added: "There's been several positive cases over the weekend. This is now becoming a serious danger, I suspect nothing will be done."

In response to the latest allegations, Magnet said it had "reminded" all team members of its safety measures and said it continues to work with the local authority to ensure its procedures are reviewed.

A spokesperson said: "As a responsible employer we immediately investigated recent concerns that were raised regarding safety at our manufacturing facility in Darlington.

SEE MORE: Safety concerns raised after Covid 'outbreak' at Darlington warehouse

"We’ve conducted an audit of all safety measures to make sure they are being properly implemented including; signage, social distancing, one way systems, and well stocked cleaning and sanitising stations throughout the site.

The Northern Echo: Magnet has said cleaning stations are well stocked throughout the site Picture: MAGNET/NOBIAMagnet has said cleaning stations are well stocked throughout the site Picture: MAGNET/NOBIA

"We continue to work with Darlington Borough Council to ensure that our procedures are reviewed and to share best practice.

"We’ve also reminded all team members of our safety measures and of their responsibility to themselves, their colleagues and ultimately their families in making sure they stick to our plan."

The firm did not confirm the number of further positive tests. 

But it went on to say that its internal track and trace system is "completely robust," stating it had asked people to self-isolate on full pay where it has identified potential risks.

The spokesperson added: "Our supervisors ensure all safety measures are implemented but it’s also the responsibility of everyone to follow safety guidelines when at work as they would at home.

"We’ve provided training and support for all our team about social distancing, how to report any concerns that they may have and we are confident that everyone knows how to follow all safety measures we have in place. 

"Despite this, like many manufacturers, we’ve had a few confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the site.  As a responsible manufacturer and in line with current guidelines we have reported this to Public Health England. 

"Our immediate priority has been to make sure any affected team members, including those that need to self-isolate, are being supported and we’re confident we have this in hand.

"We understand this is an unsettling and incredibly worrying time for everyone, but would like to reassure our team, their friends and families and the wider community in Darlington that we’re doing everything we possibly can to keep everyone safe."