South Shields MP says Home Bargains social distancing row was result of 'human error' and 'misunderstanding'

Emma Lewell-Buck revealed she has been in contact with management at Home Bargains on Millbank Industrial Estate, South Shields, after concerns were raised over social distancing on Monday, May 4.

Police were called to the store following reports that social distancing measures weren’t being observed.

Members of staff reportedly ‘walked out’ after arriving at work to find that Government guidelines to ensure a two-metre distance between shoppers and to limit the number of people in the store weren’t being followed.

The MP now says she is ‘assured’ that this was the result of ‘human error’ and a ‘misunderstanding’.

She has also confirmed that no employees will be ‘negatively impacted on’ following Monday’s events.

Ms Lewell-Buck posted an update on her Twitter account on Tuesday, May 5 in which she said: “Spoke to senior management today, assured this was a result of human error and a misunderstanding. Police, Environmental Health satisfied and no staff will be negatively impacted upon.

“Thanks again to our amazing frontline shop workers.”

In response to the concerns, Home Bargains reassured staff and shoppers after bosses visited the store on Monday to ensure all relevant procedures were being followed.

A spokesperson said: “All of our stores currently have social distancing procedures in place, including our South Shields store.

“Members of our senior management team have visited the site today to ensure that all relevant procedures are being followed and to reassure staff and customers after concerns were initially raised.

“We have also spoken with Northumbria Police, who have confirmed that they are happy with our social distancing arrangements in store.”

Northumbria Police also confirmed that they were satisfied social distancing measures were in place.

A force spokesperson told the Gazette: “We can confirm that police were called to the Home Bargains store at Millbank Industrial Estate on Monday shortly after 11am following social distancing concerns at the store.

“An officer visited the store and spoke to management. We are satisfied that social distancing measures remain in place at the store and we will monitor the situation.”

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