Video shows PrettyLittleThing warehouse staff still working during the coronavirus lockdown with NO social distancing

AN ONLINE clothes store is facing calls to shut its warehouse after video emerged showing scores of people working close to each other despite the coronavirus lockdown.

The PrettyLittleThing site in Sheffield has been described as a “breeding ground for Covid-19” by one worker – but company bosses say health and safety procedures are in place to keep staff safe.

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The warehouse remains open despite the government’s call for people to remain home.

But employees say there’s not enough hand sanitiser and it was “impossible” to stay two metres from one another.

One, who gave his name as Patrick, told the BBC: “Going to work has the chance of killing me and infecting my grandson.

“To save lives, shut the place.”

‘WAREHOUSE MUST CLOSE’

He said the warehouse in Tinsley has aisles which measure just four feet across. Up to 10 people work in the aisles at a time, often passing near one another while packing clothes.

Another warehouse worker, who didn’t want to be named, told the broadcaster: “There are four small sanitiser dispensers in the warehouse and they’re always empty.

“It’s a breeding ground for Covid-19.

TEN DIE IN CITY

“The work we do is not essential. Who wants to buy clothes not knowing when you’ll be able to wear them?”

Another worker posted on Facebook, writing: “A lot of people from inside are afraid that they will catvh the virus and take it home to family.”

Ten people have died after being diagnosed with the virus in Sheffield.

On Monday night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a country-wide lockdown in a bid to combat the spread of the deadly virus.

He said people should only be going to work when it is “absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home”.

All non-essential stores – including clothes shops – were closed immediately.

PrettyLittleThing is owned by company Boohoo.

After being sent the video, which was posted on Facebook overnight, a company spokesperson said most people are now working from home.

However, when it is not possible for employees to do their jobs at home, the company has “implemented stringent hygiene and self-distancing measures”, the official said.

“Boohoo’s two sites cover around two million square feet and, at most, we have around 250 people in each site at any given time, not thousands of workers,” she added.

“CEO John Lyttle visited this week to make sure all measures had been implemented and to talk to those working there.

“Most importantly, like every other business in the country, we are working around the clock to keep pace with government guidance and do the very best for our people, both socially and financially, and most importantly, keep them safe and well.”

It comes as:

• Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus
• A GP becomes the first British doctor thought to die from coronavirus
• Lockdown measures “could last six months”
• Coronavirus deaths in Wales’ Gwent region ‘mirror Italy’s’
• A mum issued a heartbreaking warning after her baby son contracted the bug
• A 16-year-old girl with no underlying medical conditions died from the bug in France

In the UK, 759 people diagnosed with the virus have died.

Today’s death toll is the UK’s biggest 24 hour increase so far – up from yesterday’s jump of 113.

It comes as 14,579 are infected with Covid-19 in Britain – an increase of 2,921 since yesterday.

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