Workers in the retail trade in Sheffield are reliant on public transport

Retail workers in Sheffield are more reliant on public transport for commuting than those in some traditionally office-based jobs, new figures reveal.
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Though more people are returning to work, they are still being advised to avoid public transport if they can, with face coverings mandatory.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 28 per cent of Sheffield workers in the retail trade used public transport to commute in 2018.

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This is compared to just 21 per cent of those who work in some traditionally office-based roles: those in information and communication, finance and insurance, real estate, public administration, and professional, scientific and technical activities.

A passenger goes on boardA passenger goes on board
A passenger goes on board

A fifth of retail workers across England and Wales commuted by public transport in 2018, compared to around a quarter of those in some office jobs.

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Just 4 per cent of retail staff in Sheffield worked from home, compared to 9 per cent of employees in more traditional office-based jobs.

The GMB union said the Government should cover the cost of all workers having to pay to use transport and buy their own face coverings.

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Rehana Azam, national secretary, said: “Many workers fighting this outbreak have no option but to use public transport.

"Workers have to pay their fare, then pay for the PPE they are required to wear.

"It's impossible to rule out the increased exposure to the virus while travelling on public transport.”

She also called on the Government to continue providing free parking for health and social care workers.

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