‘Bring back face masks in shops’ says Rosie Cooper MP for West Lancs

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West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has today supported Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw’s call for mandatory face coverings and covid safety measures to return to shops.   

The Union has asked that Government make important in-store safety measures mandatory to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, in light of rising Covid-19 infections, hospitalisations and deaths.  

Rosie Cooper MP commented:
“The UK has just recorded more than 50,000 Covid cases for the first time in over three months, yet the Government appears to be sitting idly by and allowing this spread.  

“I am thoroughly in support of Usdaw’s call for mandatory face masks and covid safety precautions to return to shops. It is truly scary to see that now there is no requirement to do so, the majority of people no longer wear a mask.  

“Something has to be done to reduce the spread, and this change will go some way to protect staff at the shops and their customers.”   

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says:  
“Since the Government ended mandatory safety measures within shops, the wearing of face coverings, social distancing and hand sanitising have been in decline. Protection for retail workers through customers following Covid safety rules should be backed up by the law and not left to individual choice, if we are going to avoid further lockdown measures.  

“Without clear direction from the Government, we continue to ask employers to think about their duty of care to staff and promote safety measures to the shopping public. We also ask customers to show their support and respect for shopworkers by wearing face coverings, observe hand hygiene and maintain social distancing.  

“Wearing a face covering is an important measure to help protect workers who have no option but to interact with the public. Retail workers are at a greater risk of catching the virus and bringing it home to their families. They have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the country fed and deserve to be valued, respected and protected.”