Some workers are being 'emotionally blackmailed' into going into work even though they do not feel safe, it has been claimed.
Addressing the daily government press conference, the BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said she had been inundated with messages from workers, who had been told jobs would be at risk if they did not show up.
The comments echoed the experience of countless workers who have contacted the Manchester Evening News to raise serious concerns about their safety.
In response, the deputy chief medical officer, Jenny Harries, said the majority of employers have been "extraordinarily supportive" to workers.