THE GMB union is advising more than 2,000 street cleaners and bin collectors in Scotland to refuse to return to work and self-isolate if they have been exposed to coronavirus.

In line with ministers in Westminster, the Scottish government recently announced that organisations employing critical workers can apply for quarantine exemptions if they are “pinged” by the NHS Covid-19 app as essential services become stretched. 

But after talks with workplace representatives, GMB has recommended its more than 2,300 members in cleansing and waste services for councils in Glasgow, North and South Lanarkshire, West Lothian and elsewhere to put their health first and refuse self-isolation exemptions.