Local Shops practically exempt...

[EsquireFuss]

I work in a small supermarket in the middle of a council estate. Think Tesco Express but...not.

Ever since Covid restrictions began, we've tried to enforce the rules. Limiting customers inside, hand sanitiser for customers use, all the signage to encourage social distancing.

But in the past few months, things have really changed and returned to normality.

We still limit the amount of customers in store but are instructed not to refuse customers entry for not wearing a mask. And I'd say maybe 30% wear masks.

We have young children coming in throughout the day and well into the evening, on their own. Why they're out in the pitch black late at night is another thing entirely, but surely their parents should be keeping them home, especially right now?

And my biggest bugbear? Social distancing is done with. I can't tell you how many times I'm reducing items or sat dressing the store, when I feel an arm brush my face as people reach over my shoulder to grab items. It's driving me nuts.

After nearly a year of working through Covid, I've fucking had it with the general public!

Sorry for the rant.

I feel exactly the same
I work in a well-known fast food restaurant and they are strict with how we work which is fine
It’s the public-I’m front of house-and I’d say 90% old people don’t wear a mask-can’t say anything as they are fed up of the complaints
Stand almost on top of me-I move-so do they-again to stand on me-at one point I thought he was going to kiss me-he was that close
Kids-they are a nightmare-I get on with most of them and they are really nice kids-but there’s always one (or 20) that come in just to mess about and abuse me-mostly when it’s dark-mine wouldn’t have been out aged 12/13 after dark in ‘normal’ times

It’s like we are the forgotten army-we try to follow the rules but if the public don’t,then what’s the point?

My local Premier shop is excellent. One way all round, they restrict how many people enter. They block off the ends of aisles so yu have to use their one way system and everyone wears a mask. Young children not allowed unaccompanied. They have a notice about kids such as young carers still being allowed to do the family shop though. (ds who is 16 but looks much younger has never had a problem gong in there when he's been obviously shopping for food)

OP, why don't you say something then? Loudly instruct people to maintain 2 metres distancing at all times.

When you are reducing items, put a trolley or two around you, forcing customers to keep their distance. Insist customers use a trolley to keep some distance between them.

Write a more noticeable sign regarding mask-wearing. If someone wears one under their nose, ask them to pull it up. Shop assistants are ideally placed to help ensure people comply with rules. You can hide behind the uniform and I'm sure most people would respond by complying when spoken to about it.

Has your employer issued a modified risk assessment for how the store will be run during COVID? I'd ask for one to see how they are proposing staff be protected.