The Welsh Government, business representative groups, Trade Unions and essential retailers have been working closely together over recent days on the implementation of Welsh Government regulations introduced to minimise the sale of non-essential items during the 17 day firebreak.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
This is to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives. While the Welsh Government and retailers do not currently share a common vision for the approach, we are all agreed on the need for a system that protects retail staff, is easy for customers and staff to understand and adhere to, and helps to reduce the amount of time people spend in store during the firebreak.
The Welsh Government has revised its guidance to provide greater clarity on the steps retailers can take to implement the rules and around how retailers should manage exceptional requests for items not included on the list of things that should be sold. It has also agreed to look at the legislation after the Firebreak to take account of the industry’s experience and feedback.
We recognise the hard work of retail staff across Wales and the need to ensure their safety throughout this pandemic. Both the Welsh Government and retailers would remind people to always be courteous and polite to the retail staff that are there to help them.
For the duration of the firebreak we are calling on shoppers in Wales to think about whether they can delay purchasing something in store if it is not on the list of items that can be sold. Shoppers can of course make use of online services offered by the larger supermarkets and other high street and online retailers during this time.