ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has strongly welcomed clarification from Government that convenience store colleagues will be included in the definition of key worker.
From Friday afternoon, schools will close and remain closed until further notice for all except children of key workers and vulnerable children, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.
Colleagues in food retail, distribution and manufacturing have been included in the definition of key worker, along with other essential personnel like supermarket delivery drivers, NHS staff, and emergency service workers.
Figures from the 2019 Local Shop Report show that there are currently around 405,000 people working in the convenience sector, with 30% of those having care commitments for other family members.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are pleased that the Government has included food retail colleagues in the definition of key worker. Convenience stores are a lifeline for local people, providing essential goods in communities across Britain to those who can’t go to larger stores, or can’t get products elsewhere. The reassurance of the key worker status ensures that they can keep providing that service.”
The full list of professions that are included in the key worker status is available here
ACS is working with the Government on ensuring that there are as few logistical issues as possible for key workers taking their children to school.
All of ACS’ updates and resources on the ongoing situation with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) are available here: https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/covid-19-coronavirus
