ASDA & a COVID-19 Scam Alert
ASDA Update
https://youtu.be/EyhwbtSfRvY
ASDA told our MP of their plans to mitigate Covid-19 where it is within their control. unfortunately, it arrived too late to forewarn villagers of the early shopping for the eldery & vulnerable; we called their Head Office who advise this MIGHT become a regular Friday feature.
For our customers:
- On Friday our larger stores will be prioritising elderly and vulnerable customers, and their carers, from opening until 9 am. We are asking other customers to leave their shopping until later in the day, allowing those who need essentials to be able to get them first thing.
- Customers are now able to buy only up to three of any product across all food items, toiletries and cleaning products, to help everyone get what they need.
- We are temporarily closing non-essential services, such as rotisserie and pizza counters, allowing us to free up space and time for colleagues.
- We are temporarily limiting the opening hours of some stores to ensure they have time to restock and thoroughly clean.
- We’re asking online customers to advise us when ordering if they are self-isolating so we can make adjustments to their delivery.
For our colleagues:
- They will receive full pay if they need to isolate due to coronavirus.
- Where colleagues have been identified as being part of a vulnerable group and need to self-isolate, they will receive full pay for the full 12 weeks to protect their health.
For those out of work:
- We are working with more than 20 companies to take on workers whose normal jobs have been impacted by Covid-19 – including Moto motorway services and Menzies, who operate airport baggage handling. Colleagues from these companies will be offered shifts or a temporary secondments to Asda roles, ensuring individuals remain in work and companies do not have the additional pressure of staff costs during this crisis.
- We’re also offering quick-start, temporary contracts in our stores and distribution centres for people looking for work.
For our suppliers:
- We are paying our small suppliers immediately to help them keep their business operating.
- We’re providing a three month rent holiday to around 250 small business tenants in our stores who are struggling to operate during these unprecedented times.
- We are offering local cafes and restaurants the opportunity to take on additional catering services and help feed colleagues who are working around the clock to keep shelves stocked.
Covid-19 Scam Alert
Widely reported by the media is the report that the Metropolitan Police have issued warnings of a Covid-19 scam. We did a fact check on this and many online reports of the scam have proven false; however, this is reported by the Mail and Sky News citing a Met Police officer so it’s worth taking on board.
The Scam
The scammers are posing as health officials offering to carry out Covid-19 tests on the elderly and other vulnerable people. Their objective is to gain entry to the premises where valuables might be easily stolen. If anybody calls at your property offering such a test, do not allow them in but do call the police on 999.