John Lewis denies claims of forcing staff to work at Waitrose

John Lewis in Glasgow has denied claims that they are forcing staff to work at their sister company Waitrose.

A source, who has been with the company for 21-years says that employees were told their services would be needed at the supermarket.

Concerns were also raised that social distancing measures were not being adhered to at either of these stores.

A spokeswoman said: “As part of one business, we have asked John Lewis Partners if they would like to help at an appropriate Waitrose location but the choice is entirely optional.”

Following government advice Waitrose has introduced eight steps to prevent the spread of the virus including limiting the number of customers in shops, deploying marshals outside shops to help manage queues, social distancing management inside shops and checkout screens.

Fewer checkouts are in operation to increase social distancing, special protective visors are available to partners, only one person allowed inside a lift at a time and a drive to encourage customers to avoid using cash.

Bérangère Michel, partner & executive director, customer service John Lewis Partnership, said: “The health of our Partners and customers has always been our number one priority and we fully support social distancing.

“While these measures will dramatically change how people shop and interact with others in our stores for the moment – they are absolutely vital to ensure that our customers can shop safely and that our Partners are protected as they go above and beyond to serve shoppers in this time of crisis.”