Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
From today (24 September) face coverings must be worn by retail staff working in indoor areas which are open to the public and where they are likely to come into contact with a member of the public. However, if retailers have taken steps to create a physical barrier between workers and members of the public then staff behind the barrier will not be required to wear a face covering.
Other exemptions include: where colleagues are not in a customer-facing environment – for example the back room, if they have a hidden disability or another health condition, or if they are with someone who relies on lip-reading to communicate with them.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “We welcome the additional clarification from government on the wearing of face coverings by colleagues in stores. Thousands of retailers have already invested in their stores through the installation of Perspex screens and other PPE for colleagues, so it’s welcome that these mitigating measures are being recognised by the government. We will continue to work with retailers to ensure that they can comply with the detail of the new regulations.”
