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Staff at a Home Bargains store ‘abandoned’ concerns of social estrangement.
A branch employee spoke of his shock at the number of people who were able to enter the store.
Police were called to the South Shields store and took no further action, but say they will “monitor the situation.”
A company spokesperson has denied that there have been any irregularities or relaxation of social distancing, but a staff member who witnessed it claimed there were problems.
The worker told ChronicleLive: “I entered the store and my first thought was ‘is the coronavirus over?’
“There was no line outside and no one was at the door. It was a free game at the store, it was like a zoo.
(Image: Chronicle Live WS)
“I spoke to other staff members and one told me that an NHS worker who was in the store was panicking about catching her because she had to go to work.”
“Customers also complained to management …”
The staff member told ChronicleLive that of the 30-40 at the site, 12 to 15 employees left, though some returned later.
(Image: REUTERS)
A Home Bargains management spokesperson denied the flaws: “All of our stores currently have social distancing procedures, including our South Shields store.
“Members of our senior management team have visited the site today to ensure all relevant procedures are followed and to reassure staff and customers after initial concerns have arisen.
“We have also spoken to Northumbria police, who have confirmed that they are happy with our social distancing deals at the store.”
A Northumbria police spokesperson confirmed that an officer attended the store.
They said, “We can confirm that the police were called to the Home Bargains store at Millbank Industrial Estate today (Monday) shortly after 11 a.m., due to concerns about social distancing at the store.
“An officer visited the store and spoke to management. We are satisfied that the social distancing measures are maintained in the store and we will control the situation. ”
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