Usdaw welcomes coverings rule

Retail union Usdaw has welcomed the mandatory use of face coverings in shops and supermarkets, but called on the government to develop and agree clear and detailed guidance with the union.

“It is still not clear who will enforce the wearing of face coverings,” said Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis.

Usdaw expects the guidance to make clear it will not be shop workers enforcing the wearing of face coverings. “They are already dealing with more abuse than normal and this could be another flashpoint,” Lillis added.

He also called for assurance that the established two metre social distancing will remain, along with screens at tills, existing hygiene facilities, and limiting the number of shoppers in store at any one time. Any staff wearing a face covering will need regular breaks, he made clear, and they must have the opportunity to replace it. Those working on tills who are behind screens should not be required to wear a face covering, he said.

https://www.usdaw.org.uk/About-Us/News/2020/Jul/Government-must-engage-with-Usdaw-and-retailers-to