Protective screens installed to protect frontline Co-op staff

Thousands of protective screens are being installed at Co-op supermarkets across the UK on Tuesday, while more gloves and hand sanitisers are being provided for frontline staff.

The retail giant has invested more than £3 million on new protective equipment at its 2,600 stores.

Protective Perspex screens are being installed at till points and serving counters from this week and extra stocks of hand sanitisers have been distributed to 50,000 frontline workers, along with gloves.

Co-op stores are limiting the number of customers in branches to ensure social distancing rules are observed and floor markers have been placed two metres apart as a guide to shoppers.

The company has also completed a full deep clean of its 13 logistics depots and all its 2,000 vehicle cabs.

Jo Whitfield, food chief executive of the Co-op, said: “Our colleagues are local heroes who have rolled up their sleeves and are working tirelessly to feed the nation.

“I am so proud and grateful of how hard our colleagues are working to serve communities during such difficult circumstances by keeping the stores fully stocked.

“They are working incredibly hard and doing their absolute best to serve the nation – it’s only right that we look after them by providing as much safety kit as we can.

“But we know it’s tough for them and that they will feel anxious serving customers and we can all help to protect one another.

“Observing safe distances and showing patience and kindness will help everyone as we all pull together during this time.”

The Co-op has recruited 5,000 staff to help to help its stores in the current crisis.