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A SIGHTHILL construction site that should have reopened today has remained closed after the Glasgow Times exposed workers' fears.

We told on Saturday how contractor Morgan Sindall planned to restart building works at the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area.

But the Scottish Government then stepped in to say it would "remind the firm of its responsibilities" - and staff say they have been told not to work today.

The Glasgow Times received several calls from worried workers who said it would be impossible to keep strict social distancing measures on the building site.

They feared taking coronavirus home to their families should they have to continue to work.

Unite the union also stepped in to condemn Morgan Sindall.

Pat Rafferty, Unite Scottish Secretary, had said it was "staggering" the construct site would open after firm guidance from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon saying building sites should close.

Mr Rafferty said: "The Scottish Government’s instruction is not being adhered to and tougher measures must be brought forward with immediate effect.

"We need to ensure that workers' pay including the self-employed are not harmed by the decision to close construction sites down which is why many workers continue to turn up.”

The project is the UK's largest regeneration scheme outside London.
Staff were being called back to work today on the £250 million Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area, which is mainly funded by Glasgow City Council funds.

Construction contractor Morgan Sindall has chosen to follow Westminster advice that building work can continue, despite First Minister Nicola Sturgeon clearly saying it should stop.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The First Minister has been absolutely clear that all construction work must cease unless, for example, it is for an NHS facility.

"We absolutely understand the concerns raised by trade unions about this site and we will be in touch urgently with the contractors to remind them of their responsibilities."

Morgan Sindall has so far not responded to requests for comment but has been contacted again.