Shocking pictures show the conditions inside a JD Sports Warehouse where ‘thousands’ of staff are still working.
The distribution centre in Rochdale has faced repeated calls to shut down, following strict coronavirus measures announced by the Prime Minister on Monday.
Workers have criticised their employer for putting people’s lives at risk by staying open.
Pictures sent to the Manchester Evening News show workers gathered around, many standing less than two metres apart.
Some staff have said it is ‘impossible’ to implement social distancing, with claims that up to 2,000 people can be on shift at a time.
Footage sent to LancsLive, reveals dirty toilets with toilet paper strewn in cubicles and on sinks.
Cleaning products have been left abandoned in the middle of cubicles.
(Image: MEN Media)
Speaking to the M.E.N, one worker said: “They have closed all the stores but left retail to still work as normal.
“There are just short of 2,000 people across four shifts.
“It is impossible to keep the distance given by the government, they have clock machines that people have to use their fingerprints on.
“Everyone has to work closely together and when we leave the premises we are rushing to get out without leaving any type of gap.
“I don’t feel like we should still be working there will all these conditions they are putting people’s lives at risk by staying open.
“I have to come home to a father that suffers from a heart condition.
“Surely clothes and shoes are not a key item.”
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In a statement to yesterday, the company said it is reviewing the situation “on an hourly basis” in line with government advice.
Another worker said: “The canteen holds 60 people so there are at least that many people on one shift.
“When you leave you have to queue for security checks and then you have also got the clocking in machine to make sure you get paid, which uses a finger print.
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“Around 2,000 people in one day are going to be using that same fingerprint machine.
“It seems they are more worried about money than people’s health.”
(Image: MEN Media)
Another employee told LancsLive: “In the distribution centre, at any one time there can be 1000+ workers present on shift, all confined to a warehouse in close proximity to each other.
“The centre has introduced measures to try and alleviate people being in each other’s close proximity, but this is simply impossible.
“The general consensus throughout the workforce is we are being put under unnecessary risk and as a workforce we would be happy to take the 80 per cent wage proposal and lose 20 per cent wages in order to protect our health.
“Children who are self-isolating, due to school closure, are still at risk as we breathe in the air circulated by 1000 people a day and then take them home and recirculate to our vulnerable young.”
Yesterday a spokesperson for the company said: “The safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority.
“The company is reviewing the position in respect of its warehouses on an hourly basis in line with Government advice.”
Their statement released to the public as they closed their stores earlier this week said: “As of today we are closing our doors to protect our employees who have worked tirelessly to serve our customers during this challenging period.
“Our online store stays open and stocked with everything you want from the brands you love. We’ve increased our delivery options and extended our returns period to make things as smooth as possible for you.”
