An image has emerged of crowds gathering inside Matalan’s warehouse in Kirkby after staff contacted the ECHO raising fears about social distancing rules not being followed.
The retailer has said the image is “concerning”, and that it is operating its warehouse “with a number of precautions in place” that include social distancing rules, regular breaks for handwashing and increased cleaning.
It comes after several concerned staff told the ECHO new guidelines set out by the government were not being followed and that Matalan “is not looking after us”, adding that “up to 100” people were going on break at the same time.
Another said the firm was “putting people at risk for a little bit of profit”, claiming staff were told it was “business as usual for us”.
All three workers who contacted the ECHO said they thought Matalan should have closed the warehouse following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement on Monday night.
While all non-essential shops have been forced to close under strict new measures announced by the Government last night, there are currently no requirements for distribution and online operations to stop.
There are, however, strict rules about social distancing, including extra handwashing and keeping a 2m distance at all times, as well as working from home where possible, for firms who have chosen to continue working.
Like most other high street retailers, Matalan has announced it will temporarily close its doors as of 6pm on Tuesday until further notice.
It is still allowing customers to shop online, hence why the warehouse remains operational.
When contacted for comment by the ECHO, a Matalan spokeswoman said: “It is concerning to see this image as we are operating our warehouses with a number of precautions in place such as implementing social distancing rules, regular breaks for washing hands and increased cleaning of all facilities.
“This is an unprecedented and extremely tricky situation and the safety and welfare of our colleagues remains our absolute priority.”
She said that the firm was constantly reviewing its colleague communications “to ensure that the social distancing guidelines are being followed by all colleagues”.
She added: “We are monitoring the coronavirus situation very closely and are following all guidance provided by the Government and Public Health England.
“We will continue to serve our online customers from our DC and await further guidance from the government on the situation.”
