WARSHIP manufacturer BAE Systems Naval Ships has snubbed Boris Johnson’s Freedom Day and has urged employees across the UK to continue to use masks and practice social distancing in its sites as it reviews its “safe system of working”.

The company, which has sites in Rosyth and on Clydeside, said it had recently sent out guidance for working arrangements for all employees, and would not be making changes “at this time”.

In an email to staff, business operations director, Nadia Savage, said there were several factors to consider given the differences in approach to Covid-19 restrictions between the Prime Minister and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

These included different timings for easing restrictions in Scotland, England and Wales; the requirement that people should self-isolate for 10 days if they came into close contact with someone who tests positive; infection rates “significantly increasing” in some parts of the UK; and regulations defining Covid-19 as a reportable hazard, which required a risk assessment and appropriate controls.

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“With all this in mind, we have started the process of reviewing our overall safe systems of work and looking at how and when we can gradually begin to ease some of our existing controls,” said Savage.

“We intend to consider the easing of restrictions, balanced with maintaining a safe workplace and appropriate risk assessment on a site-by-site basis.

“Naval Ships recently set out working arrangements for all employees … and at this time we will not be making any changes to this guidance.”

She added: “Additionally, at this present time, to strengthen our safe systems of work at our Glasgow facilities, where we are seeing an increasing trend of Covid-19 cases in line with regional variations, we are reintroducing the requirement for face coverings to be worn at all times when on site, including external areas and our car parks.

“Face coverings do not need to be worn when seated at your desk.”

Savage said the company was continuing with its future of work programme to determine a hybrid working system and looking at leveraging the benefits of flexible working for those physically on site, working remotely or a combination of both.

She added: “We expect these arrangements to continue in place until at least mid-August, after BAE Systems’ next formal review which will take place following further announcements by both the Scottish and UK governments on the relaxation of restrictions.”