Face masks should stay, says shopworkers union

By Éilis Cronin in Industry News 19th January 2022

Face masks should remain compulsory for shoppers, even if other Covid safety measures are scaled back, says Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers).

The union says that regulations that keep changing have made compliance less strict than it should be.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “There is no reason why, when lifting other Covid restrictions in England, the Government could not keep the requirement to wear a face covering in busy public places like shops.

“Their flip-flopping so far on basic and sensible Covid measures and the different rules across the UK create confusion, reduce compliance and can lead to conflict.

“Retail staff working with the public every day are deeply worried about catching Covid-19. Wearing a face covering protects others, it should not be a personal preference, but personal responsibility.

“The Government must be clear and consistent on it being mandatory for the time being.”

Lillis added that customers should also abide by other measures to contain Covid, including maintaining social distances and using hand sanitisers.