Halbeath B&M workers to be rewarded for pandemic efforts

The firm has announced the bonus which for staff as a reward for their efforts during the "exceptional challenges" of the last nine months.

Those at the new store in Dunfermline's Kingsgate Centre look set to miss out however with the benefit only going to store and distribution staff who have been employed by the company since the start of the first lockdown on March 23.

The new outlet was officially opened by Dunfermline foodbank volunteers back in November and saw the creation of 30 jobs.

However, the company have confirmed this week that some posts have been shed in recent weeks.

A B&M spokesperson said: “A small number of temporary Christmas contracts ended in December as planned.”

This week's gesture to reward staff has been welcomed by shopworkers' trade union Usdaw.

It's National Officer, Dave Gill, said: “It’s been a tough time for retail staff, so we are pleased to have secured this bonus for our members in B&M. They are providing an essential service, that we all rely on, and they deserve our support, respect and appreciation.

"So we very much welcome B&M’s recognition of the work their staff are doing in these difficult times.

READ MORE: New Dunfermline B&M store to create over 30 jobs

“We continue to call on the company to revisit the support provided for extremely vulnerable colleagues and are always working to improve health and safety. Retail staff are dealing with the public every day and are not only suffering increased abuse, but are also deeply worried about catching Covid-19.

“That must be taken into account by the Government when assessing risk levels and priority for vaccines and testing. So we are calling on the Government to ensure that retail workers are given priority, because they provide the essential service of keeping the nation fed.

“Usdaw also urges the shopping public to follow the necessary hygiene and social distancing rules to help make shops as safe as possible for customers and staff alike.”