Starbucks not protecting staff

[MummytoCSJH]

I have a close friend who works for Starbucks and is very concerned about this. Starbucks staff themselves are not allowed to speak out on this as their social media policy has been updated to prevent them mentioning or commenting abojt it and have been told in internal communications that it will be 'handled' by their comms dept and the media. Starbucks are reopening many stores across the UK however they are not providing appropriate (or any!) PPE for their staff. They are telling workers they MUST wear some form of mask (fine) but they are not providing them, workers must source their own. Workers have been told if they cannot source one they should make one from fabric or they cannot come to work - which will put many low income workers in a very difficult place. These homemade masks are obviously not going to be effective and to say they are handling food and drink I think it's disgusting that they won't provide PPE. Ovviously the bigwigs care far more about profits than people. Is there anything anyone can do about this? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this out there or what to do next?

I don't buy that anyone has had to make their own scrubs

Don't be so bloody rude and go and educate yourself about what's actually going on it there. Have you got any idea what it's really like? Obviously not if you can worked up about someone having to buy a fucking face mask

Many hospitals are actually asking for scrubs.

TBH I'm surprised that you haven't seen any requests for these or things like hand cream fir the nurses.

Huge company doesn't care about workers - stop the press!!!!

Just buy a bloody mask ffs they are like a fiver on ebay and yes low paid whatever but so are supermarket workers who have been working through the worst of this, as have many others. Lots of people suddenly scared to return to work after time off now isn't there.

I work in a supermarket and we have been provided with gloves, masks and visors to use if we want to. Why the hell can’t Starbucks do exactly the same as a duty of care to it’s workers??

There's only about 4 branches in the whole of the uk opening on the 14th according to their website. Hopefully by the time they open more they'll provide masks.

Is your friend not in a union because this is the sort of thing a union would argue?

The announcement says that perspex screens will be installed, so they won't be coming into much contact with customers. There are usually only two or three baristas working a normal times, so they likely only need one or two per shift now, which reduces contact further. Maybe those measures will reassure your friend somewhat.

I'm an NHS nurse, no PPE for us other than when on the ward, we eat lunch with no social distancing, there's no other option. My partner works customer facing, no PPE for them either and the company has been trading throughout. It isn't just Starbucks, it's most places.

'I don't buy that anyone has had to make their own scrubs'

Nightingale NW nurse here (yes, we have patients) I had to find my own scrubs as the supply they have isn't enough for us all, luckily a local scrub hub gave me a couple of sets. So whether you buy it or not, it's true.

If your friend is really worried then either he quits or speaks to a health England advisor. If he has sent you confidential emails then just pass them onto someone else more appropriate who can investigate this rather than just posting on anonymous forums. The govt and companies will come up with safe working conditions and policies.

150 stores to reopen initially. Not sure where.

The drive through stores appear to be operated by a franchise.

You can google the 150 takeaway and drive thru that are opening. Its in the media. They say they are installing counter screens. Unsafe trading practices can be reported to the HSE or people can find whistleblower guidance on the ACAS site if they have genuine concerns.

I went on their website and looked at their map to see which ones were opening. One in Falkirk, one at raf lakenheath and 3 in London.

I’m assuming this isn’t correct?

Oh I’ve just read it more carefully. They’re not announcing which branches until Thursday.

yeah, no. I don't buy that anyone has had to make their own scrubs

Maybe you should do some research before saying things like that? Because it's actually quite offensive to the people actually on the front line of this.

Our local hospitals and care homes have been crying out for people to help them with PPE. People have been making scrubs, masks, scrub bags, face shields and all sorts.

So forgive me if I don't have much sympathy for a Starbucks worker who's having to pay £5 for a washable mask from Etsy. Especially as they're now encouraged in all enclosed public spaces anyway.

Dreadful coffee. I have no idea how they are still in business.