Union slams Matalan for worker welfare failings amid coronavirus outbreak

The GMB union has hit out at Matalan for putting employees in danger by ignoring coronavirus guidelines.

Although Matalan’s stores are temporarily closed, it remains open online and through its app.

The GMB claims that workers at the retailer’s distribution centre in Knowsley are being forced to continue working in cramped, overcrowded conditions as bosses fail to comply with government advice on social distancing and stopping operations.

Shaun Buckley, GMB Regional Organiser, says: “We have been inundated with messages from worried GMB members in a state of panic that Matalan bosses are putting workers and their families’ lives at risk.”

“Such blatant disregard for people’s welfare must not be allowed to continue. We demand urgent action from the government to stop bad bosses flaunting the rules. We are using every available means to force Matalan to do the right thing.”

Matalan did not respond to our request for comment.

Amazon

Earlier this week, the GMB said that Amazon UK employees were ‘petrified’ of being infected by COVID-19 after working in packed warehouses, without hand sanitiser or personal protection equipment.

It claimed to have evidence of crowds of 200-300 people in fulfilment centres across the UK, and the reuse of equipment multiple times with no hand sanitiser available.

Workers reported water dispensers being used over and over again without being disinfected, dirty canteen tables with used tissues on them, team leaders giving feedback without staying two metres away and no sanitiser of alcohol wipes to clean equipment.