Next issues public statement as South Elmsall warehouse reopens today despite criticism

In a statement released to the Stock Exchange on Tuesday morning, the company said it would only be selling "low volumes" of stock, with only a fraction of its staff having returned to work.

Next's plans to reopen the Field Lane depot in South Elmsall, revealed in leaked emails to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) last week, were branded "appalling" by local councillor Steve Tulley.

The retailer had already been forced to close at the end of March after a backlash against its original decision to keep running during lockdown.

But having offered a 10 per cent bonus to "volunteers" willing and able to turn up to work, Next says it will ensure social distancing can be observed in the warehouse.

Their statement, released at 7am this morning, said: "On Thursday March 26, Next announced it had temporarily closed its online business along

with its warehousing and distribution operations, having listened very carefully to colleagues.

"Next has since implemented very extensive additional safety measures and having consulted with colleagues and our recognised union, USDAW, it will re-open online in a very limited way from today, Tuesday April 14 2020.

"Initially only categories that our customers most need will be offered, such as childrenswear and selected small home items.

"Other product ranges may be added at a later date."

The retailer also said that customers would only be able to order items that could be "safely picked" on any given day.

After that, Next says its website will become "browse only for the rest of the day.

The statement added: "Operations will start with support from colleagues who are willing and able to safely return to work.

"The idea is to begin selling in low volumes, so that we only need a small number of colleagues in each warehouse at any one time, helping to ensure rigorous social distancing is complied with."

Local Democracy Reporting Service