by Matt Trinder
Industrial Reporter

FRONT-LINE shopworkers and delivery drivers should be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccination and testing, retail union Usdaw said today.

The union called for government action to protect its vulnerable members, as well as to ensure that staff who are ill, self-isolating or shielding receive are kept on full pay.

Usdaw said that retailers must also reinstate safety measures in their shops and ensure that customers follow the rules while showing respect to staff.

The union’s statement followed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on Monday evening of a third national lockdown following a surge in coronavirus cases.

General secretary Paddy Lillis said: “Retail staff are working with the public every day and are not only suffering increased abuse but are also deeply worried about catching Covid-19.

“That must be taken into account by the government when assessing risk levels and priority for vaccines and testing.

“We are calling on the government to ensure that retail workers and delivery drivers are given priority, because they provide the essential service of keeping the nation fed.

“We are also looking for support from the government, retail employers and the shopping public to help make food stores and deliveries as safe as possible for customers and staff alike.”

Usdaw, whose 400,000 members make it Britain’s fifth-biggest trade union, said that strict limits on customer numbers must be reintroduced in all outlets and employers should back up staff who find themselves dealing with abusive customers.

The rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the second after the Pfizer jab to be licensed in Britain, began on Monday.