Call to improve shop safety

Shopworkers’ union Usdaw has called for retail staff to be prioritised for vaccination and Covid testing. It also urged retailers to reinforce safety measures in shops and for customers to follow the rules.

In a letter to the government, Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis called for retailers to consult with the union to ensure that:

• customer numbers are limited and queuing systems are in place to enter shops, with security staff in place where appropriate;

• clear signage is in place telling customers to wear face coverings. Enforcement of the law on face coverings remains the responsibility of the police, who should implement spot checks;

• customers are reminded to shop alone;

• 2 metre distancing markers are in place, along with one-way systems wherever possible;

• incidents of violence and abuse are not tolerated;

• enhanced cleaning measures are in place;

• PPE, hand sanitiser and cleaning products are available for all staff;

• doorstep-only delivery procedures are in place to protect drivers;

• staff who are sick or need to self-isolate for Covid-related absence are paid full pay;

• workers who are at additional risk are protected; and

• local managers engage with union health and safety reps to ensure measures are being followed.

https://www.usdaw.org.uk/About-Us/News/2021/Jan/Government-urged-by-Usdaw-to-prioritise-frontline