Sainsbury’s shoppers are said to be “appalled” at staff members ignoring the supermarket’s advice on face coverings.
The news comes after yesterday’s “Freedom Day”, when virtually all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted across England.
Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts encouraged customers to continue wearing masks because “many of our colleagues would feel more comfortable”.
However, one customer from Chester complained that “the only people *not* wearing a mask” were the supermarket’s employees.
READ MORE: Sainsbury’s encourages masks after July 19
“You’re out of tune with your own customers,” she continued.
Another added: “Just got back from @sainsburys and it was wonderful to see that every shopper had masks on.”
“It wasn’t so nice to see that most of the staff gives zero care and can’t be bothered to wear masks.”
A Sheffield shopper argued that Sainsbury’s had prioritised staff choice over customer safety.
“A good 80 per cent plus staff not wearing a mask in @sainsburys while a tannoy plays asking customers to keep them safe by wearing one,” he claimed.
Just got back from @sainsburys and it was wonderful to see that every shopper had masks on. It wasn’t so nice to see that most of the staff gives zero care and can’t be bothered to wear masks. Make masks part of your uniform & insist on the wearing of them when needed #facemasks
— Fran Rumbelow (@franrumbelow) July 20, 2021
Surprised and disappointed @sainsburys to see that quite literally the only people *not* wearing a mask in your Chester branch this morning were members of your own staff. You’re out of tune with your own customers. Doubt I was the only one to be dismayed
— Tricia Chatterton (@TriciaChatt) July 20, 2021
A good 80%+ staff not wearing a mask in @sainsburys while a tannoy plays asking customers to keep them safe by wearing one. Guess customer safety just isn't as important.
— Paul Hughes (@Paulmh5) July 20, 2021
@sainsburys
APPALLED to have just been shopping at your store, used self checkout, the staff member there who has closest contact with the public was NOT wearing a mask. Their choice but deploy such staff to non customer facing role. Respond please.— Sal_Pitt (@salliemonkey) July 20, 2021
Although some called for masks to be compulsory in stores, the Big 4 grocer signalled it would allow people to make up their own minds.
“We are encouraging our customers and colleagues to wear a face covering and the vast majority of people are choosing to do so,” a Sainsbury’s spokesperson told The Telegraph.
“Safety continues to be our top priority.”
The supermarket has kept hand sanitiser stations and perspex screens between shoppers and staff.
However, it is the only Big 4 grocer to scrap screens between self-service checkouts, a move which provoked further criticism.
“They helped make shoppers feel safer,” said one member of the public.
“Now I have to rely on other shoppers doing the right thing and wearing a mask.
“I am less likely to use your store where I may be right next to an unmasked person.”
Another claimed to feel “pretty queasy” when he realised the barriers had been removed.
@sainsburys why have you taken down the screens between self service tills? They helped make shoppers feel safer. Now I have to rely on other shoppers doing the right thing and wearing a mask I am less likely to use your store where I may be right next to an unmasked person.
— kelli dickinson (@kelli_dickinson) July 20, 2021
Made me feel pretty queasy in @sainsburys #portswood to see that the Perspex dividers in between self shop checkouts have been removed. Is this a company decision or up to the individual store?😷🦠So many unvaxxed students/young people in this area – we need to protect each other
— Ciar Richardson (@cirichos) July 20, 2021
@sainsburys – Quite concerned that one of my local stores has removed safety screens between self checkouts. They are so close together and few staff were wearing facemasks.
I don't feel safe to shop. How can you let them be so irresponsible?— Ace 📚🎲🐈🏳️🌈🦩 (@bookmews) July 20, 2021
The news comes after supermarket bosses warned that the soaring number of self-isolating workers could lead to early closures.
