Lidl hits back in coronavirus row with GMB union

Lidl has slammed the “entirely inaccurate and misleading nature” of a coronavirus-related press release issued by the GMB union earlier this week.

Yesterday, we reported that the GMB had called on Lidl to guarantee full pay for Covid-19 related absences.

In a statement sent to RTIH, the retailer said that the aforementioned press release did not reflect thorough information shared with the union last week, “highlighting the measures that we have implemented and options available to our employees. To be clear, options are available to colleagues whereby they will continue to receive full pay.”

The press release noted that last year Lidl saw its share of supermarket sales rise by almost 8%, and in recent weeks it has hired an extra 2,500 staff to meet demand.

“It can only be right that they use some of those increased profits to help stop the spread of coronavirus, and to recognise the hard work of their loyal employees at this worrying time. Otherwise it looks quite plain and simple, that they value their profits more than the value beating Covid-19,” said Lorraine Gaskell, GMB organiser at Lidl.

“We note their reference to profits. As a privately-owned business, these specific details are not in the public domain, therefore the GMB's information is completely baseless,” Lidl responded.

"Our teams across every part of our business are doing an incredible job ensuring customers continue to have access to the food they need during this very challenging time, for which we are endlessly grateful and incredibly proud,” it added.

Lidl says that it has introduced various support mechanisms for all of its colleagues, whether they continue to work or are currently unable to. This includes an enhanced commitment of 12 weeks’ full pay for those that fall within vulnerable groups.

“Where it is not possible to work from home and colleagues are having to self-isolate, there are a number of options available whereby they will continue to receive full pay. We are working closely with government and are constantly reviewing their guidance, whilst actively exploring and introducing measures that provide additional support,” the statement concluded.

The GMB did not respond to our request for comment.