Matalan has come under fire as workers were photographed in cramped conditions, raising fears they are unable to keep to social distancing rules
Shocking pictures have emerged of workers packed together at a Matalan warehouse on Merseyside.
The first picture revealed staff crowding inside the distribution centre in Kirkby – an image Matalan described as ‘concerning’.
Another image shows staff in a crowded corridor waiting to use the ‘clocking in machine’, with new social distancing rules appearing to be ignored.
While all non-essential shops have been forced to close under strict new measures announced on Monday, there are currently no requirements for distribution and online operations to stop.
There are, however, rules about social distancing, including extra handwashing and keeping a 2m distance at all times, as well as working from home where possible for those firms.
One employee said it was ‘almost impossible’ to keep the 2m distance, and claimed that hand gel dispensers were not being refilled: ‘I am appalled Matalan, a company supposedly founded on “family values”, are taking such little care of their employees. Matalan is not an essential business; the job role of Matalan employees is not on the key worker list.’
GMB, the union responsible for many workers, called the reports and images ‘worrying’, describing conditions as ‘cramped and overcrowded’.
GMB, the union responsible for many workers, called the reports and images ‘worrying’, describing conditions as ‘cramped and overcrowded’
The union’s regional organiser, Shaun Buckley, said: ‘I have been inundated with emails and phone calls from worried GMB members who are in a state of panic that Matalan bosses are putting workers and their families’ lives at risk.
‘Such blatant disregard for member’s welfare and Government rules must not be allowed to continue. We need urgent action from the Government to stop employers flaunting the rules. I want to reassure members that GMB is using every available means to force Matalan to do the right thing.’
Last night, Liverpool’s City Mayor Joe Anderson also made his feelings known on Twitter, when he slammed companies who he said were ‘flouting coronavirus rules’, adding that he was ‘absolutely appalled’.
His tweets were directed at both construction firm Laing O’Rourke, which is building Liverpool’s new Royal Hospital, and Matalan. Your workforce and their families need to be treated safely. Trading Standards will be used to enforce using every available means to force Matalan to do the right thing.’
On Wednesday evening, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said he was ‘very concerned’ by some of the images coming out of the Knowsley warehouse.
He said: ‘My message to them is simple: you have a duty to protect your workforce during this crisis – profits should not come before people.’
Matalan has said staff safety and welfare ‘remains our absolute priority’.
Since Sunday, the company said it had taken extra precautions that include suspending usual check-in and check-out processes, security checks and collective team briefings, and expanding the area available for staff to take their breaks – which are now staggered.
The firm said it had ‘a number of precautions in place’ including social distancing rules, breaks for handwashing, and increased cleaning for staff.
A statement from Matalan said: ‘Along with the whole of the retail industry, we currently find ourselves in a new world, whereby, following Government instruction, we are operating online-only to serve our customers.
‘However, the safety and welfare of our colleagues remains our absolute priority. Over the past few days, we have introduced significant measures to protect our employees who continue to work in our Distribution Centres.
‘We are confident that the steps we have taken go above and beyond all guidance provided to date by the Government and Public Health England.
‘We are monitoring the unfolding situation extremely closely and await further guidance from the Government.’