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THREAD: Key retail workers deal with hundreds of customers every day as they perform their essential duties. With the #Covid situation developing rapidly, we're calling for retail workers and delivery drivers to get priority access to vaccinations and mass testing. (1/9)
We also expect retailers to work with us, urgently, to produce new risk assessments. The new strain of Covid puts our members at increased risk of catching the virus. They need every possible protection, including the following steps: (2/9)
Limits on customer numbers - back to the earlier levels if necessary - with trained security staff to manage queues. Once inside the store, customers should follow clearly highlighted one-way systems and 2m social distancing markers. (3/9)
Where possible there should be one customer per trolley. There should also be clear signage in place to remind customers of the legal requirement to wear a face covering. (4/9)
Employers MUST back up their staff when dealing with abusive customers and those who refuse to follow the safety measures. Abuse, threats and violence are never part of the job. (5/9)
Cleaning regimes, throughout the store, need to be enhanced. PPE, sanitiser and other cleaning products should be available for all staff. Delivery drivers should be protected via doorstep-only deliveries. (6/9)
Workers at additional risk need to be fully protected in line with relevant Government guidance. Pregnant women have specific legal protections; these should be followed at all times. Covid-related absence should be paid in full and not included in sickness calculations. (7/9)
Store managers need to work closely with Usdaw Health and Safety Reps to ensure all agreed measures are followed. (8/9)
Working together, to protect ourselves and others, will get us through this tough period. Key retail workers are on the frontline keeping us all supplied - they deserve the strongest possible protection. (9/9)
