Usdaw has called for shop workers to be included in a programme of free jabs, as it welcomes the Government’s efforts to increase flu vaccines.
The retail trade union has also called on employers to ensure that their staff have time to be vaccinated.
Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said: “Retail staff deal with hundreds if not thousands of shoppers every day, particularly in the busy run to Christmas, they need to be protected from flu and help ensure they don’t pass on the virus to colleagues and the public.
“With hospital admissions for flu up by 55% last week and many more falling ill, it is clear there is a tidal wave of the virus ripping through our communities.”
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She continued: “Grocery retail is an essential service that helps keep the nation fed and healthy.
“As was highlighted in the pandemic, retail workers are key workers and efforts should be made to protect them and help to keep staff in work.
“Any large increase in sickness absence in the retail food industry could have a severe impact on our communities.”
The news comes after Asda slashed the price of its flu jabs in September to its lowest ever price.
For its 60th anniversary celebrations, the supermarket offered the 60p jab to its first 6,000 customers who pre-booked their appointments between 22 and 28 September.
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