// Asda drafts in 1000 new safety marshals
// The grocer is attempting to keep up with tightened restrictions which could lead to high demand
Asda has announced further safety measures across its stores in an effort to provide an enhanced level of protection for customers and colleagues.
The new measures are set to be implemented in the coming weeks as restrictions are tightened across the UK.
The grocer has reinstated 1000 new door marshals at the front of every store and increased security presence in the aisles of larger stores.
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Meanwhile, staff will be on hand to help customers with safety queries and reiterate government guidelines to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing while they shop.
Customers who do not have a covering when they enter the store will be offered a pack of disposable masks that they can pay for as they complete their shopping.
Moreover, marshals will provide sanitised baskets to customers as they enter stores.
Additional hand sanitisation stations will be in place in the busiest sections of all stores in addition to the multiple cleaning points already found throughout stores.
Following the recent change in government guidance, all Asda store colleagues in England are required wear a covering while at work.
“We know that safety remains a key priority for our customers and we will continue to do all we can to keep them and our colleagues safe in store, as we have since the start of the pandemic,” Asda chief operating officer Anthony Hemmerdinger said.
“These additional measures will make our stores an even safer place to shop and work during the coming months.”
Asda recently announced it was restructuring its George fashion division, which will result in 50 redundancies at its head office in Leicester.
Staff were informed on Tuesday of the decision to move from a hierarchical head office structure to a more responsive model.
The new model means staff can work across different teams, fast-tracking the speed at which new fashion products can be developed.
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