Environmental officers from the three authorities found on their inspections of their local stores that there were emergency exits blocked, stock stored dangerously and inadequate safety training.
Sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court, Judge Hetherington said “blaming local management was deeply unattractive, coming from a major employer employing some 6,000 people, but, in my judgement, on the evidence I heard, quite unfair. And it is, in any event, a circular argument – it is part of higher management’s function to see to it that local management is in place and performing to a proper standard.”
This is not the first time Poundstretcher have been prosecuted for similar offences. Even though there were no reported injuries the risks from obstructing emergency exits and aisles are obvious. Usdaw health and safety reps can use their inspection powers to make sure that good housekeeping standards are followed in their workplaces. 
Please read the article in the TUC Risks 833.