Taking a job at Tesco

[possibletesco]

I’ve been offered an interview at a very large Tesco Extra store. I’m unsure whether to go for it.

At the moment I’m self employed, but no work and therefore no income to do for the foreseeable future, at least a year I think. I can get by with savings and the small amount the government will pay me (eventually) when the help for self employed persons comes through.

Would I be putting my health at risk to take the job at Tesco? It would increase my monthly income so I didn’t have to use up my savings, plus give me a purpose and something to do each day. I have no dependants, I live with one other person and neither of us are high risk.

I just cannot decide if it’s too risky at the moment.

What would happen if all the Tesco staff decided it was too much of a risk and they'd rather sit at home? People ought to play their part in this where they can.

My sister has a masters degree and a disabled daughter. But she's out of work currently and is taking a job as a picker at a supermarket. She needs the money. Plus she can have the satisfaction that she is doing a job that will help people who can't make it to the stores. She will be vigilant about hygiene and they are required to wear masks and gloves at work. Of course its riskier than staying at home but if it keeps you busy and solvent then why not? It's up to you to weigh up the risks vs benefits.

I absolutely would to be honest. Tesco isn't much money but no one knows how long gris will last or the financial ruin at the end of it. A wage from tesco will help. It sounds like yiu and your household are healthy, and remember the majority of people who get it don't require hospitalisation.

It's a personal choice of course and pay no heed to people telling you you should because if no one wanted too where would be etc. The country would descend into chaos if no one wanted to be a police officer but no one barks at people to join up.

I've been advising service users of this. Many of them are at risk of not meeting their rent or mortgage, of struggling financially and of course many have lost their jobs. Many are desperate. I've advised that many major supermarkets are crying out for staff, and provided they are healthy etc it might be an option worth considering

I'm still ill with the virus, but I'd bite your hand off for that job.

Just be as sensible as you can. Remember we are only in lockdown for the NHS not to prevent people getting ill. Crap but true. People keep conflating lock down with overall safety.

I would defo take it.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your perspectives.

Go for it Possible. You never know where it could lead. Good luck

I wouldn't be exposing myself to risk if I didn't have to.

We're a few weeks into this now so Tesco are going to be more organised re hygiene and PPE reducing your risk of exposure. If I were you I'd take the job to protect my savings. Good luck

My DH is also self employed and doesn't qualify for the 80% government scheme so applied for a job at Tesco's and was offered the job. This role is in one of their distribution warehouses so can't comment on Tesco stores but and he says they practise good hygiene and social distancing. He's also enjoying the work and feels he's doing his bit by becoming a key worker. I would say go for it and if you feel your safety is at risk then don't continue the role.

I would; it’s a risk but you need to balance that up against financial risk, the state of the economy going forward, mental health etc.

we are in lockdown to prevent people getting ill and overwhelming the NHS
however it is your decision whether to work, i just wanted to point out why we are in lockdown

Will having a job affect the self employed assistance you say you're expecting to get?
Assuming not (or if you've worked through that and still decided to do it anyway) go for it. I am coming to the conclusion, don't know how accurate, that tesco are good employers.

EricaNernie that makes no sense - without people (like the OP) signing up to work for Tesco’s etc, there’s no way supermarkets would be able to deal with the increased demand that’s been put upon them. Then how would we make sure that people have enough to be able to self isolate or shield if necessary?
M

My brother took a delivery job. He was in a similar position as you but as others have said you do have to think about the future. I would be as careful as possible but would take it.

Yes you would be putting your health at risk as you’d be dealing with the general public so it’s inevitable if you did take the job.

Really, it’s up to you. do you want the job or do you not? If you want it, go for it. If you don’t, then leave it.

It’s risky for all retail workers. Just have be cautious at all times and wash your hands and make sure you don’t get too close to people

I believe they have screens up, have rubber gloves and Tesco are trying hard to enforce social distancing rules so the risk is minimised.
As someone who works for a different part of the business in Tesco, they're also really doing a lot for staff at the moment, including providing a 10% bonus, special hour for shopping etc