Returning to retail work when it’s safe to do so.
When it is safe enough to return to retail work (although I feel we will be pressured into returning before it is safe to prop up the economy, ease the government from paying more furlough and to protect the insurance market.) There need be changes to retail work environments-
1 - Social distancing
Every store should have a capacity limit based on size and 2 meter spacing outside to queue.
This limit should be reviewed internally by staff as size should take into account shelving and railing, not square footage of an empty shop.
2 - Cash handling
Cash handling should be eliminated and shops should have posters to notify customers of that. Contactless limits should be raised. Eliminating cash handling saves time it takes counting floats and doing bank deposits, reduces risk of theft and saves money dealing with security companies.
Cash desks in retails stores should be fitted with protective screens like supermarkets.
3 - Volunteers
Some retail and work environments run on volunteer help and work. Volunteering should be kept to a minimum if possible, especially if volunteers are in high risk categories, it will be tempting to join a volunteer force and meet people after lockdown however early on in the easing of lockdown this will be an unnecessary risk.
4 - Sick leave
If someone becomes ill as we move into winter with cold like symptoms and possible corona symptoms, there should be protections for people to take immediate leave for a 7 day period with pay to protect their fellow workforce. Some 0 hour contracts and hourly pay contracts do not pay sick leave without a sick note, there should be an easier method of obtaining a sick note to reduce strain on GP services.
5 - Testing
Diagnostic and antibody testing should continue and before any return to work there should be testing. There especially should be testing of those considered high risk of spreading it, e.g those in contact with large groups like nurses, doctors, those preparing food, cleaning staff and anyone who will be on the list of those deemed necessary to go back to work should be prioritised.
6 - Employment protection
The government should protect the employment of those who will possibly lose employment when advocating for protection and PPE. No one should lose their job when trying to make a better working environment and no one should have to risk their life to do so. Employees should be able to hold their employers to a high standard of protection without fear of repercussion.
It’s important for the government to recognise that people who lose their jobs now will find it difficult to re-enter the workforce.
1 - Social distancing
Every store should have a capacity limit based on size and 2 meter spacing outside to queue.
This limit should be reviewed internally by staff as size should take into account shelving and railing, not square footage of an empty shop.
2 - Cash handling
Cash handling should be eliminated and shops should have posters to notify customers of that. Contactless limits should be raised. Eliminating cash handling saves time it takes counting floats and doing bank deposits, reduces risk of theft and saves money dealing with security companies.
Cash desks in retails stores should be fitted with protective screens like supermarkets.
3 - Volunteers
Some retail and work environments run on volunteer help and work. Volunteering should be kept to a minimum if possible, especially if volunteers are in high risk categories, it will be tempting to join a volunteer force and meet people after lockdown however early on in the easing of lockdown this will be an unnecessary risk.
4 - Sick leave
If someone becomes ill as we move into winter with cold like symptoms and possible corona symptoms, there should be protections for people to take immediate leave for a 7 day period with pay to protect their fellow workforce. Some 0 hour contracts and hourly pay contracts do not pay sick leave without a sick note, there should be an easier method of obtaining a sick note to reduce strain on GP services.
5 - Testing
Diagnostic and antibody testing should continue and before any return to work there should be testing. There especially should be testing of those considered high risk of spreading it, e.g those in contact with large groups like nurses, doctors, those preparing food, cleaning staff and anyone who will be on the list of those deemed necessary to go back to work should be prioritised.
6 - Employment protection
The government should protect the employment of those who will possibly lose employment when advocating for protection and PPE. No one should lose their job when trying to make a better working environment and no one should have to risk their life to do so. Employees should be able to hold their employers to a high standard of protection without fear of repercussion.
It’s important for the government to recognise that people who lose their jobs now will find it difficult to re-enter the workforce.
Why the contribution is important
Workers protection should be outlined by the government so business don't feel tempted to return to 'normal' too quickly and put more people at risk.
by NJW30 on May 06, 2020 at 08:06PM
Posted by GillHain May 06, 2020 at 21:22
Allowing some employers to return to what was their 'normal' will harm their employees and encourage some to use non-registered labour and threaten some employee jobs and conditions - who is going to carry the inspections and verify regulations are being met?
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Posted by Stephw89 May 07, 2020 at 10:41
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Posted by JLaw May 07, 2020 at 11:09
Also we need a way to ensure that employees and or their Trade Unions have a way of making sure they are properly protected.
I would like to see more people wearing masks in shops to protect workers and other shoppers. Maybe it is happening more in some areas than others.
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Posted by WBRnotes May 07, 2020 at 22:59
Re face masks - might it be possible to make it compulsory for people to wear face masks in shops and post offices etc? If it's been shown that the virus can travel up to 15 feet in a shop when someone coughs, then asking everyone to wear masks protects all of us, including the shop assistants. Leaving it up to individual preference disadvantages those who are behaving responsibly by wearing a mask.
Social distancing should definitely be maintained and those who don't act responsibly with regard to this could be asked to leave the shop perhaps?
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