Firm takes on new staff who lost their jobs due to pandemic

Equipment that the company makes includes the connections between patients and their ventilators, tubes and filters. It is going to hospitals in Guernsey, the UK and the rest of the world. Output has increased within the factory by more than 36%, and now stands at around 90,000 products per day.

Intersurgical has also taken on 12 extra staff on short term contracts - including people who have lost their jobs amid the pandemic - over the past seven days. It takes the total number of employees to 117.

The new staff include ex-employees, students, those that have been laid off work and senior staff from a large local building company who are willing to help because their business has had to temporarily close due to the lockdown.

Manufacturing manager David Inder said that that it was a very tough time for all staff due to the increased demand in products from around the world.

Staff are now working longer hours, they have cancelled all forthcoming annual leave, and are giving up their well-deserved Easter holiday break to allow the company to continue running.

Mr Inder said he was very proud of the workforce at Intersurgical and extremely thankful to all staff for all their efforts and commitment at this difficult time.

HR manager Anna Mills said: ‘Over the past week plans have been put in place to create a third shift in our assembly area so that we can run 24 hours a day. We have had many people asking about joining the workforce at Intersurgical to help fight against the virus.

‘Local people have been fantastic in helping us and we will continue to take on extra staff and run extra shifts. Once again I would like to say a huge thank you to every member of our existing staff and new joiners too, your hard work and commitment is saving the lives of many Covid-19 positive patients and you should all be very proud of yourselves.’