Shop workers require better access to PPE, ACS tells MPs

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged better access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for convenience store colleagues.

“The Government is understandably prioritising PPE support for the NHS, but retail colleagues, also coming into contact with a large number of people day-to-day at work, require better access to PPE,” it said in a submission to an inquiry by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee of the House of Commons.

“If advice from Public Health England on face mask changes the Government will have to consider how they can prioritise access to key workers that are facing increased exposure when serving customers,” it added.

The ACS has also made several other recommendations in its response, including the extension of the cash grant scheme to cover more stores, protection for shop workers from retail crime and sustaining the ATM network.

The association has also provided evidence to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs inquiry into the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the food supply chain.

In the submission, it raised specific issues where the development or delivery of a number of areas could have been more effective, including the extension to delivery hours and relaxation of competition law.

“We have seen how our sector has quickly adapted to ensure that our stores can continue to serve their communities while ensuring the safety of colleagues and customers,” commented James Lowman, ACS chief executive of the ACS.

“We welcome the government’s recognition of local shops as essential businesses and our colleagues as key workers and it is vital that these businesses continue to receive the support that they need in order to serve our communities.”