Coronavirus Update, Supporting Our Stores & Thanking Colleagues

I want to use my blog this week to reassure all colleagues that we are doing everything we can to support you during this very challenging time.

The situation is complex and is changing constantly so we are having to make decisions based on the best available information we have at the time. I am chairing our daily Executive Steering meetings 7 days a week and am listening to the feedback I get from all our trading group representatives.

As a result of the crisis each of our businesses are in different places so sometimes decisions may seem inconsistent. However, all our decisions will be taken in the best interest of the Society as a whole.

Our priority is and will remain the protection and welfare of colleagues and we are doing everything we can to get more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, in sourcing these we are facing the same challenges as everyone else with a lot of PPE being diverted to the NHS and the Police. We have more stock on order and will ensure these get to colleagues who need them as quickly as possible.  Screens will also be fitted to all our stores with the first ones being installed today. 

Yesterday I popped into my local store at Kineton and was really impressed with how they are coping. I talked to Chloe about how the social distancing is working in-store and also Sam who is from our Leamington travel branch which has closed and is now doing her bit for food.

Sam (left) & Chloe (right) in our Kineton Food Store

Tomorrow we will be announcing a range of new rewards in recognition of the role of front line colleagues. More details will be on Colleagues Connect.   

Finally, I just wanted to reiterate how grateful I am to every single colleague who is working during this unprecedented period in all our lives. I know so many of you are going the extra mile to help others and the sort of stories that I read in our Thumbs Up campaign make me proud to be your Chief Executive.