Dave Gill – Usdaw National Officer says: “We are constantly raising this issue as a major concern with Sainsbury’s. Usdaw has also been calling for the Government to provide much clearer guidance on what operations should be classed as non-essential, particularly concerning online retailing”.

The changes in the way Sainsbury’s and Argos are operating, due to the Coronavirus emergency, mean that some staff are being asked to undertake new duties, often transferring to different workplaces.

Dave Gill continues: “We also continue to support our members who do not wish to transfer from a closed Argos store to a Sainsbury’s food store. The company have the right to request that staff transfer to the food retail side of the business. However, if staff are unable to because of childcare, travel, health and safety concerns or other reasons, the company has agreed they will support staff on full pay.

“Argos staff are contractually obliged to work at Argos Hub sites if required. However, we are representing members to ensure that managers take into account what is reasonable for each individual’s situation.

“These are difficult times for shopworkers, who are under a great deal of pressure, often facing abuse from the public and are clearly worried about contracting Covid-19. Any Usdaw member who has concerns should contact their rep, we are here to help”.

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion