Shopworkers’ refusal to wear masks is causing ‘conflict at the cash register and hundreds of complaints, survey shows

Alex Neill of Resolver said the rise in complaints revealed a genuine sense of confusion about what the rules were and how they have been implemented in food outlets, supermarkets and shopping centres.

He said: “Our data shows that members of the public are becoming increasingly angry about people failing to wear masks in public, particularly on public transport and in shops. 

“It also reveals a genuine sense of confusion about what the rules are and how they’ve been implemented in food outlets, supermarkets and shopping centres.

“If we’re to avoid conflict at the cash registers then the Government needs to step up their efforts to clearly communicate the rules and be firmer in how they will be enforced.”

In a remarkable illustration of the problem, Boris Johnson visited a bicycle repair shop in Beeston on Tuesday. He wore a face mask, while the owner did not.

While police have the power to issue a fine of £100, there have been concerns raised that enforcing face mask rules in shops is “unrealistic and unfair,” if shoppers refuse to wear face coverings in England.

John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, which represents rank and file officers said: “Policing the wearing of face coverings in shops can’t be a priority because we simply don’t have the resources.

“To expect my colleagues to be policing the supermarket aisles, looking for those shoppers not wearing a face covering, is unrealistic and unfair.”

The Telegraph contacted a number of retailers on the issue.

A Waitrose & Partners spokesperson said: “Government guidance states that it is not compulsory for people working in shops to wear face coverings.  However, we are asking our Partners who do not have an exemption to wear a face covering when they are in an area where 2 metres social distancing cannot be achieved or where other measures (e.g. screens) are not present.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We are recommending colleagues who are working on the shop floor wear face coverings, unless they are working behind a Perspex screen or exempt according to government guidelines.”

The luxury department store, Harrods, is taking a stronger line, and said: “Harrods colleagues will be wearing face coverings while on the shop floor unless they are behind protective screens or are exempt.”