Boots coronavirus tweet backfires as critics let rip

Earlier this week, Boots sent out the following promoted tweet: “Help us celebrate our colleagues and key workers everywhere by sharing your messages of support with #PrescribeKindness.”

Enter a bunch of people who weren’t interested in playing ball. Instead, they opted to blast the retailer for its treatment of staff during the coronavirus outbreak and also its tax affairs.

“Your workers are great - pay your taxes!” said one Twitter user.

“There’s other companies that are giving their staff #keyworkers a bonus for working through this tough period. I doubt you’ll be doing the same!!!! Hopefully you’ll prove me wrong!!!!” said another.

Another person complained: “Is that why boots wanted to charge my 84 yrd mother £5.00 delivery a month. She got it free from a smaller pharmacy. Manager’s discretion I was told on Twitter from boots.”

There were, it should be noted, also a several positive responses, including: “Thank you to Boots Workington for keeping going. The young lady on the door is so friendly even when customers are not being as nice as they could be.”

Essential retailer

Boots remains open for business during these surreal times as it is considered to be an essential retailer. It has faced criticism for this from some of its staff. The BBC recently reported that they felt "unsafe" at work as customers continued to browse for hair dye and fake tan despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Some stores were still waiting for visors, face masks and gloves for pharmacy workers, others said. Boots stated it was doing whatever it could to protect its staff and customers, including reduced opening hours and closing at certain points during the day for deep cleaning.