‘Nervous’ Meadowhall staff make demand to bosses ahead of shops reopening next week

Staff have been told as of Monday, June 15 they will have to stop using the customer car park and must return to using the staff car park on Alsing Road.

This means some staff, who often start and finish work at the same time, will have to walk the length of the centre to reach their workplace, potentially increasing the amount of time spent inside Meadowhall and in contact with others.

Stephanie Bailey, who works at a makeup concession in Boots, said: “I’m nervous, I have just had three months off so naturally I’m nervous about going back into work.

“I know my company is doing what they can to keep us safe, I’m not sure that Meadowhall are.”

Stephanie has started a petition calling for the centre to reverse the parking rules, which she said could impact the mental health of staff. As of Wednesday it had received more than 500 signatures.

She added: “I have spoken to all the girls I work with, they are all in agreement. I think everyone feels the same about it.

“If I work in Boots I can park right outside the doors and go in no problem. They are forcing me to go inside.”

A Meadowhall spokesperson said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is our number one priority. In line with the latest government guidance, we have been working incredibly hard behind-the-scenes to put extra safety and hygiene measures in place to support the return of both more colleagues and shoppers from 15th June.

“These measures include installing hand sanitising stations throughout the centre, and introducing ‘keep left’ systems to help everyone keep a safe distance of two metres. New signage has been installed throughout the centre and our car parks to help everyone to follow the new guidelines.

“We are continuing with our enhanced cleaning regimes, which includes regular cleaning of key touchpoints throughout the day.

“We will also be carefully managing visitor numbers, so we can be confident that everyone can maintain social distancing at Meadowhall.

“We have provided secure, free parking for all colleagues at Meadowhall for many years. We are asking colleagues to resume using this facility from 15th June.”