Grace Boonzaier
Remaining E. Fraser Electrical employees have reopened wings at the old hospital for coronavirus cases.
E. Fraser Electrical is a electrical contractor business which deals with domestic commercial jobs, such as installations and breakdowns. The company is located on Grandon Road in Finstown. It has a staff of 30, of which 27 are currently furloughed and 3 are still working in public. The 3 key workers get the standard pay, but the 27 furloughed will get 80% overall.
The remaining 3 key workers will only work in an emergency or to complete essential jobs, such as to repair heating, or power, and big jobs like the old hospital. During this time, they are predominantly working for the NHS and the OIC. They needed to carry out essential work which was opening wings at the old hospital for coronavirus cases.
At the beginning of COVID 19 plans had to be put in place by the NHS to provide more facilities to cope with cases of the virus. This included opening the old health centre and parts of the old Balfour hospital, which has been closed since the new hospital opened. The old hospital’s power had to be refurbished by the Scottish Hydro as the old heating and other electrical items had been removed from the building. The morg had to be reopened in case of high amount of virus deaths.
One of the remaining workers at E. Fraser Electrical said: “I feel without repairs on essential equipment such as heaters the public would struggle.”
But explained: “It certainly feels different as the workforce is extensively reduced, day to day routines and less staff.”
He explained that PPE was required for him to continue his work safely: “When attending jobs it’s vital to wash hands before entering. Gloves must be worn all the time, and masks if dealing with other people.”
