Just saw this on the news this morning that Tesco are ending their contracts with cleaning companies for their Metro and Express stores and store staff will be expected to do it.
I’m due to back to work in a Tesco express next week after maternity and this has just added to my anxiety about going back during all this COVID business. The shops were never exactly sparkling but this will just make them filthy. These stores generally run on the minimum amount of staff as it is, how will they have time to clean to a decent standard as well as do everything else? Most are part time staff as well so there’s always a ‘not my problem’ attitude towards certain jobs, I suspect making sure the cleaning is done will be one of those. Will be cleaning the bogs one minute then filling out bread the next? In the same clothes etc? Jumping on and off the till serving customers, handling food and cleaning in between?
I also don’t do well with using cleaning products at home as it triggers my asthma. I’ve switched to all non toxic and natural cleaners at home, will I be expected to use all sorts of chemicals in work now? Don’t you need COSHH training for that? Can I refuse if it makes my asthma worse?
Honestly at a time like this, and when Tesco have actually made huge profits, why are they cutting back on cleanliness and hygiene of all things?! It’s really stressed me out reading this. I also usually work until closing time but we were always out late by the time we’d locked up etc. Am I now going to be expected to clean after my finishing time as well? I just don’t see how it’s going to work.
I’ve never contacted the union before but I’m seriously considering it, just to vent my thoughts about this. AIBU to be so annoyed and disgusted by this?