Home Bargains responds to staff and customers' social distancing concerns after police call out

Bosses at Home Bargains have reassured staff and shoppers after concerns were raised over social distancing.
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Police were called to the Home Bargains on Millbank Industrial Estate, South Shield on Monday, May 4 following reports that social distancing measures had been lifted.

The company has now confirmed that the correct procedures remain in place to enforce social distancing at the store and bosses have visited the site to ensure they are being followed.

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Members of staff and customers raised concerns on Monday morning and said that two metre distances were not being kept and there was no longer a limit on the number of people in the store at any time.

Police were called to Home Bargains in South Shields over social distancing concerns.Police were called to Home Bargains in South Shields over social distancing concerns.
Police were called to Home Bargains in South Shields over social distancing concerns.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It was just a free for all. There were no queues outside and no one was social distancing. It was just like a normal shopping day.

“Staff shouldn’t be coming into work fearing for our safety.”

In response to the concerns bosses have visited the store and reassured staff and shoppers that Government guidelines are being followed.

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A spokesperson for Home Bargains 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.”

Police confirmed that officers were called to the store at around 11am to reports of social distancing concerns.

They have spoken to managers and are continuing to monitor the situation.

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A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that police were called to the Home Bargains store at Millbank Industrial Estate today (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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