HEATHROW essential cleaning staff have been told to make face masks with their own socks.

The cleaners, who work around the clock, are only given gloves while on duty and were advised to make their own face masks at home.

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A leaflet on DIY masks was pinned to a staff notice board on Monday after some cleaners raised concerns about the lack of vital PPE.

A Heathrow source told The Sun: "Its absolutely ridiculous, staff should be given proper PPE.

"Cleaners work eight hour shifts, so the terminal is being cleaned 24hours a day, flights are still coming in and out – they need protection. The cleaning firm are handing out gloves, but they need more than that – we're in the midst of a global pandemic."

They added: "A number of staff kicked up a fuss about the lack of masks and then a few days later a booklet on making your own masks from socks appeared on the staff noticeboard. It's a disgrace."

The handy guide says using a sock is a "fun and simple" way to make a mask – and advises staff to wash their socks before converting them into face masks.

The booklet also gives tips on how to cut and sew an old T-shirt into a face covering – saying a small or extra small T-shirt is better.

The bottom of the guide states the company does not "endorse any particular method and other instructions are widely available online."

It is thought more than 100 cleaning staff work around the clock to keep Heathrow's Terminal 5 clean for passengers.

Cleaners are contracted to the airport by Mitie Cleaning Services.

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