1 May 2020

Coronavirus: Countdown installs temperature scanners for staff

From Morning Report, 7:30 am on 1 May 2020

Countdown has installed temperature scanners at all of its national distribution centres as part of its Covid-19 response.

Those working in processing and distribution could be sent home - and stand to lose pay - if their temperature is up.

First Union says the move will upset workers who will have to pay for their own medical costs even if they are declared fit by their GP.

Countdown declined to be interviewed, but in a statement said that these are just one part of a suite of health and safety measures they have put in place to help keep their team and customers safe in response to the pandemic.

They went on to say the union was given notice about the move, and not going to work and visiting a GP is best practice for someone with a high temperature.

Jared Abbott is with First Union.

He speaks to Gyles Beckford.