Cumbernauld Shoppers Urged to Protect Health of Workers During COVID-19 Winter

Cornerstone House Centre is urging local citizens to protect employees and volunteers across Cumbernauld by being kind, patient and wearing face coverings when visiting shops and community facilities in the area.

With North Lanarkshire’s coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions the tighest possible at present, the organisation is backing a campaign fronted by The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) to remind shoppers of Scottish Government requirements to maintain social distancing and show consideration when in shops to benefit both local health and the economy.

The Federation of Independent Retailers is one of Europe’s largest employers’ associations, with more than 15,000 independent retail stores operating across the UK and Ireland.

This includes many small autonomous retailers in Greater Cumbernauld that are struggling to survive in the current climate of COVID-19 restrictions and people staying at home, with the health and employment of a high number of workers on the line. To assist these companies, The Federation has created two posters which can be displayed within local shops.   

The first poster appeals for customers to respect those working in shops by being patient, kind and to wear a mask, while the second explains why both shop staff and visitors should cover their faces while shopping.

The poster campaign is an extension of the Federation’s successful Shop Local Shop Little initiative launched earlier this year to remind customers that local stores could provide all their needs and to encourage them to shop sensibly. Stuart Reddish, National President of The Federation of Independent Retailers, commented:  

“COVID-19 has been challenging for everyone. Independent retailers have gone out of their way to support their communities by ensuring a safe environment.

“In the main, customers have adhered to the guidelines but some members have experienced hostility and frustration and, sadly, in some instances have even been subject to abuse and threats.

“We hope that by seeing these posters, customers will treat independent retailers and their staff with greater understanding and respect, which means protecting everyone’s health and safety – customers and those working in the shops – by covering their faces and maintaining social distancing at all times.” Mary McNeil, Development Manager at Cornerstone House Centre, added:

“Whilst Cornerstone House Centre’s focus primarily centres on the community and voluntary sector in Greater Cumbernauld, it also supports and recognises the benefits of a prospering private sector in the local area.

“This is an extremely difficult time for tertiary businesses and their staff, and we are supportive of the Federation’s campaign to ensure that the health and wellbeing of people working in and visiting shops is prioritised.

“It can be easy to forget that cashiers, customer assistants and others working in Cumbernauld shops are effectively risking their health every day when they go to work at present, and that everyone has a role to play in keeping frontline employees safe.

“The same applies in respect of those doing their shopping at the moment, the ordinary people of Cumbernauld who are parents, grandparents, children and carers. We are all responsible for the health and safety of other shoppers during these unprecedented times.

“It is also important to remember that a lot of independent retailers in Cumbernauld only have small premises, and as such those visiting require to take extra care to ensure that social distancing is maintained.” 

The posters, which are suitable to be used by Cumbernauld retailers, can be downloaded by visiting The Federation of Independent Retailers’ website at www.thefedonline.com.