Wilko apologises for saying staff could work with Covid
Retail chain Wilko has apologised for “some miscommunication” after it told staff they could continue to work if they tested positive for Covid.
In a memo, the company said staff with the virus could continue to work in stores if they felt well enough to.
Wilko confirmed the memo was sent out and the firm has since made a U-turn.
“When we get something wrong, we hold our hands up, admit it, and work to correct the situation,” the firm said.
Jerome Saint-Marc, Wilko chief executive, said he wanted to “reassure all our customers and team members” that the company’s advice to staff with Covid symptoms or those who test positive was to stay at home and avoid contact with others.
“As throughout our 92 years on the High Street, the safety and wellbeing of our shoppers and teams is at the heart of our business and we’re truly sorry for any understandable concerns our communications may have raised,” he added.
People with Covid in England are no longer legally required to self-isolate with all restrictions now removed, but it is still recommended.
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, people are still asked to self-isolate after a positive test.
In Wilko’s initial memo to staff, the company, which has 414 stores in the UK, said: “If you test positive for Covid-19 and feel well you can continue to come to work, if you feel too unwell you can follow the absence policy.”
