Retailer Takes Action Before Compulsory Customer Requirement

  • Central England Co-op plans for staff to wear face coverings ahead of them becoming compulsory for customers on July 24th
  • Over 1,000 plastic screens installed at till points and 7,000 face visors issued to staff
  • Safety measures include two-metre distance markings, hand sanitiser stations, one-way systems, and regular cleaning of surfaces

Central England Co-op, a retailer with over 400 food stores and funeral homes across 16 counties, is preparing for the upcoming mandatory face covering rule by implementing the use of face coverings for its staff starting July 20th. The company encourages customers to follow government guidance and wear face coverings when visiting their businesses. In addition to the new measure, they have already implemented other safety measures such as two-metre distance markings, hand sanitiser stations, one-way systems, and regular cleaning of surfaces with specialist products. Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op CEO, emphasized the importance of health and safety for both staff and customers. She stated that comfortable face visors are available for those who prefer them and hopes to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Central England Co-op’s plans for staff and customer safety measures, including the use of face coverings and other precautions against COVID-19. It includes relevant details about the company’s efforts to promote health and safety in their stores.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant and useful information about Central England Co-op’s proactive measures to promote the use of face coverings and maintain safety for its staff and customers during the pandemic. It also includes specific details on the steps taken by the company, such as providing face masks or visors for employees and implementing other safety measures like hand sanitizer stations and social distancing markers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Central England Co-op’s stock price and related retail stocks may be impacted by the company’s safety measures and customer response.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a company implementing safety measures in response to COVID-19, which could potentially affect its financial performance and the demand for its products or services. This could impact the company’s stock price as well as other retail stocks that may be similarly affected by pandemic-related changes.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk