A Stevenston factory insists its weapons are vital for the country after shop floor staff complained of bosses putting their lives at risk amid the coronvirus outbreak.

Staff and family members accused Chemring Energetics of putting profit ahead of their health by not allowing them to self-isolate.

However the factory, which makes explosives, missiles and various types of security technology, insists it is classed as a vital supplier to the Ministry of Defence and insist safeguards have been put in place.

One staff member said: “Chemring in Ardeer is making us work on the shopfloor come in and refusing to follow the Scottish Government rules, saying that it is only guidance.

“There are not doing proper social distancing and we only just got hand sanitiser last week.

“Workers all really upset and scared but we are not being listened to. The work is not essential and we are putting our lives and families at risk.”

A spokesperson said: “At Chemring Energetics our first priority is the health, safety and well-being of our people, their families and the community in which we operate.

“Having been designated a critical supplier to the UK MoD, we shall continue to adopt an approach which balances risk mitigation with business continuity, and which complies with current government guidelines.

“We have adapted our working practices across our site and have implemented additional safeguards.

“We have made significant adjustments to enable those staff on site to comply with the requirements in order to maintain social distancing.

“This has included changes to working practices, changes to working patterns, additional hygiene and infection controls and engaging our staff in ensuring we maintain working practices and protocols that limit any potential for the spread.

“We will continue to follow government guidelines, adapting our working practices and protocols in order to create a working environment that is as safe as possible, whilst also meeting our obligations as a critical supplier to the UK government.”

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