Co-op invests millions of pounds in protective kit to support frontline colleagues

31 March 2020

From today (31 March 2020), thousands of protective screens are to be installed at Co-op supermarkets across the UK along with more gloves and hand sanitiser provided for frontline colleagues. Co-op Food CEO Jo Whitfield, who referred to shopworkers as “local heroes,” has urged shoppers to show kindness and patience for each other and colleagues, as they work hard to do a great job.

The retail giant has invested over £3M on new protective equipment, from clear safety screens to gloves and hand sanitiser to support frontline colleagues, who are feeding the nation during the coronavirus crisis.

The convenience retailer, which has over 2,600 stores in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, will be installing the clear protective Perspex screens at till points and serving counters from this week. In addition, extra stocks of hand sanitisers have been distributed to its 50,000 frontline colleagues, along with gloves. Hospitals have been prioritised for the equipment and Co-op has airlifted in much of the protective gear to provide added protection and reassurance to its colleagues.

Co-op stores are also limiting the number of customers entering branches to ensure social distancing rules are observed when people shop. Floor markers which are placed 2m apart have also be introduced to act as a guide to shoppers.

Co-op has also completed a full deep clean of all its 13 logistics depots and all its 2,000 vehicle cabs.

Jo Whitfield, Food CEO, Co-op, said: “Our colleagues are local heroes who have rolled up their sleeves and are working tirelessly to feed the nation. I am so proud and grateful of how hard our colleagues are working to serve communities during such difficult circumstances by keeping the stores fully stocked.

“They are working incredibly hard and doing their absolute best to serve the nation it’s only right that we look after them by providing as much safety kit as we can.

“But we know it’s tough for them and that they will feel anxious serving customers and we can all help to protect one another. Observing safe distances and showing patience and kindness will help everyone as we all pull together during this time.”

The Co-op already recruited a further 5,000 people to help bolster colleague numbers and serve the nation. This followed an unprecedented response from the British public to the retailer’s recruitment drive which had been prompted by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

ENDS

For more information contact the press office below:

Kirsty Rushby
PR Manager
07834090014
kirsty.rushby@coop.co.uk