Wilko has issued a statement saying it is sorry after reports that its staff should go to work even if they had tested positive for Covid went public. The high street retailer said it got it 'wrong' and blamed a 'miscommunication.
A memo had been leaked on social media on Monday saying that shop and warehouse staff should go to work as normal if they have no symptoms. On Tuesday morning, CEO Jerome Saint-Marc put out a statement.
In it, he said: "When we get something wrong, we hold our hands up, admit it, and work to correct the situation.
"Today's news has highlighted some miscommunication within our Covid-19 policies, and I wanted to reassure all our customers and staff that...
"Our advice to team members that have Covid symptoms/test positive is that while they're no longer required by law to self-isolate, they should still stay at home and avoid contact with others. This will help reduce the chance of spreading Covid-19."
It added: "We operate an enhanced company sick pay policy and support those team members most in need, including those with Covid-19. We'll continue to look after our team members to the best of our ability."
Wilko employs around 16,000 people and The Mirror yesterday reported that the leaked memo stated: "If you test positive for Covid-19 and feel well you can continue to come to work, if you feel too unwell to work, you should follow the absence policy."
It comes after self-isolation rules were changed last month in England despite criticism from public health experts.
The Government has also confirmed that free widescale testing is due to end from April 1.
In January, Wilko also confirmed plans to shut 15 stores in a move that unions warned could impact hundreds of jobs.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
