Union joins calls for clarity on face coverings

Prime minister Boris Johnson was pictured on Friday wearing a mask for the first time and suggested a stricter approach to the wearing of face coverings in shops was on its way.

But senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he did not favour the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Coverings are already compulsory for shoppers in Scotland and on public transport in England.

Usdaw said today it recognises face coverings can help limit the spread of the virus, but called for clarity and detailed guidance to “end confusion and help protect retail staff from abuse”.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “Mandatory face coverings have  been introduced in Scotland and the early signs are that this has been working well, but we will continue to monitor this.

“We welcome anything that helps keep customers and shop workers safe, but the most important measures to help stop the spread of Covid-19 are to maintain proper social distancing and hygiene.

“We need clarity from the government. The mixed messaging and indecision is not helpful for shop workers.

“There must be clear and detailed guidance from the government and we urge them to work with Usdaw and retail employers to draw that up.

“Even if face coverings become mandatory, Usdaw is urging employers to stay with the established two-metre social distancing, using screens at tills and limiting the number of shoppers in store at any one time.”

He added: “We are clear it should never fall on shopworkers to enforce the wearing of face coverings. They are already dealing with more abuse than normal and this could be another flashpoint. “