THOUSANDS of staff members at a utility giant will not be furloughed, it announced today.

Thames Water has joined with Britain’s biggest water companies to not use the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, benefitting 6,000 employees.

The government has designated water company staff as key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, as they are carrying out essential work on the country’s water and sewerage systems.

Thames Water employees who are self-isolating or who have to be at home to care for dependents but who cannot work from home are also continuing to receive full pay during this period.

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Lynne Graham, Thames Water’s HR director, said: “We’re continuously looking at the impact of coronavirus on our business and adapting, but it’s clear all of our people have an important role to play as water and waste services do not stop.

“A key part of our continuity plan includes looking at how we can bring in extra staff or redeploy existing staff elsewhere in the business to fill critical roles should they be required.

“But we certainly need everyone, and therefore have no intention of furloughing any of our employees.

“We’re following government health advice to make sure our customers and our people stay safe, and the absolute focus throughout this extraordinary time remains fixed on maintaining essential services to our customers.”

Water companies across England have been reorganising their operations in recent weeks to ensure they continue to maintain water and sanitation services to millions of families and businesses.