Social distancing concerns raised over Matalan Distribution Centre in Knowsley
Video report by Political Correspondent, Hannah Miller
Matalan has said the safety and welfare of its colleagues remains its "absolute priority" after an image shared with ITV News showed a large gathering of employees congregated inside its warehouse.
The retailer said it was continuing to operate "with a number of precautions in place" in line with the latest Government and Public Health England advice.
ITV News was contacted by a significant number of employees who work at the warehouse distribution centre in Kirkby, Merseyside over fears social distancing guidelines set out by the government were not being followed.
One employee who was willing to speak on camera, told ITV News he "did not feel safe in the workplace", while another who wished to remain anonymous contacted with a "cry for help."
Matalan said it had increased its precautionary measures in recent days, which include the continuation of implementing social distancing rules, regular breaks for staff members and more cleaning facilities.
The retailer also said it had since suspended their "usual check-in and check-out process" as well as "security checks and collective team briefings."
In an address to the nation earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK on a three-week lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus.
All shops selling non-essential goods were told to close under the new restrictions but that did not extend to warehouse distribution or online operations.
The government also advised people to follow social-distancing guidelines set out by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The guidelines state everyone must keep a distance of 2 metres apart (6ft) from each other, but employees working at Matalan's distribution centre in Kirkby say it is "impossible" to socially distance themselves as picking aisles are 1m wide, with staff picking "an average of 300 - 500 items a night for 12 hours whilst being extremely close to each other."
Concerns were also raised regarding hygiene facilities at the warehouse, with some staff claiming that hand dispensing machines not had not been refilled, despite a letter seen by ITV News, which states hand sanitiser would be available for every member of staff.
When contacted by ITV News, a Matalan spokesperson, said: “Along with the whole of the retail industry, we currently find ourselves in a new world, whereby, following Government instruction, we are operating online-only to serve our customers.
"However, the safety and welfare of our colleagues remains our absolute priority. Over the past few days, we have introduced significant measures to protect our employees who continue to work in our Distribution Centres. We are confident that the steps we have taken go above and beyond all guidance provided to date by the Government and Public Health England.
"We are monitoring the unfolding situation extremely closely and await further guidance from the government.”
Trade union, GMB, who represent many workers at the distribution centre said they had been "inundated with emails and phone calls" from worried members, who are in a "state of panic."
Regional Organiser Shaun Buckley for GMB, said: "Such blatant disregard for member’s welfare and Government rules must not be allowed to continue. We need urgent action from the government to stop employers flaunting the rules. I want to reassure members that GMB is using every available means to force Matalan to do the right thing.”
Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram said the government's advice is clear and people should not be working unless it is essential.