Coronavirus: Fife companies rapped for not closing

He said he had received “ a high volume” of messages from worried staff.

Mr Hanvey said he took the reports “extremely seriously” and he has written to the comnpanies concerned.

The MP didn’t name any individual businesses, but said he had taken the opportunity “to remind them of their responsibilities to their staff’s safety and that of the wider public.”

He called on employers to act responsibly and follow government advice to protect workers and customers, and ensure staff who fell ill did not lose their income.

The issue was one of a number of topics covered in a letter from his office issued via social media rather than post, to avoid putting pressure on Royal Mail, and to avoid the risk of further infection.

Mr Hanvey used the bulletin to update constituents on his activities at Westminster and in the constituency, with the impact of coronavirus dominating the agenda.

He has raised the economic impact on traders of the cancellation of Kirkcaldy’s historic Links Market for the first time – and urged supermarkets to look at how they could support foodbanks.

That appeal was in response to concerns raised by Kirkcaldy Foodbank over the impact the crisis has had on its operations. He has asked them to look at any ways they could ease the pressures on the lifeline service.

Mr Hanvey’s office has also helped to repatriate numerous Fifers who were stranded abroad when countries went into lockdown.

He also praised the “incredible work” done by Fife Voluntary Action in providing support to the most vulnerable in our communities.

He said: “They have set up a ‘helping hand’ service to connect volunteers with people who need help, with initiatives such as safe delivery of prescriptions and food supplies.

“Third sector organisations are doing a power of work, and we owe a debt of gratitude to them and those who have selflessly volunteered to help to support the most vulnerable people in our communities.”