Taking stock

DIY and hardware chain Screwfix has kept its 682 branches open through the pandemic – and the safety of staff and customers is key.

“A significant number of our colleagues remained working to enable us to serve our customers, many of whom play an essential role in keeping homes warm, safe and with power,” says Screwfix CEO John Mewett.

Some staff were furloughed, but as the situation eased, the company was able to bring more back to work. “To ensure our staff are

Weekly markets give local communities a buzz, so CJ’s Events in Warwickshire is happy to move from food only to a wider range of stalls, with clothing, homeware and watch repairs.

Safety measures are in place to keep staff and shoppers safe at the Warwick and Kenilworth markets, based on UK Government guidelines.

The market area is cordoned off, limiting the number of people in the space at the same time. Clear signs remind them of the two-metre rule, with a hand sanitiser station as they enter. safe, we have put social distancing measures in place,” says John. “We have a strict marshalled control of customer entry into our stores, with clearly identified and controlled social distancing measures.

“Across the business, a risk assessment has been carried out to ensure all workplaces are Covid-secure.”

Staff clean surfaces throughout the day and have access to washing stations. Customers follow a one-way system, the tills have screens and there is contactless click and collect in all stores.

Food is pre-packed for hygiene and all payments are now made by card.

Traders are urged to wear face coverings and gloves, and the site is monitored on CCTV to enforce social distancing.

“As a family business, we are really pleased we’ve been able to return with weekly markets,” says director Jamie Walker. “Our priority has always been safety – for all colleagues, market traders, visitors and the communities we serve. We have had to wait until we’re confident we can operate safely. That time has finally now come.”

Like all non-essential independent shops, Rossiter Books has suffered after being closed in lockdown. Owner Andy Rossiter has been working hard to make his three bookshops in Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye safe for staff and shoppers. “We are absorbing all the UK Government’s coronavirus safety guidance and have been busy writing our risk assessments for each store,” says Andy. “Our trade body, The Booksellers Association, has been brilliant at reading and interpreting this advice to make it bookshop specific and releasing it in digestible and accessible weekly bulletins.” He’s also been keeping in touch with staff through weekly Zoom calls and getting their input on what they need to feel