Tracy Gilbert – Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland says: “The fast spreading Omicron variant clearly shows that the pandemic is far from over. So it is right that social distancing requirements return to stores in Scotland, which is what Usdaw has called for.
 
“We are asking retailers to promote the new requirement to maintain social distancing to customers, along with hand hygiene and the existing rules on wearing a face covering. We also ask the public to show their support and respect for shopworkers by following the rules.
 
“Social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing a face covering in shops is an important measure to help protect workers who have no option but to interact with large numbers of people as a part of their job. Many retail workers are at a greater risk of catching the virus and bringing it home to their families.
 
“Retail staff have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the country supplied with essentials. These key workers must be valued, respected and protected.”
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 380,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion