A FURIOUS shopper has expressed concerns after claiming several members of staff at B&M in Basingstoke weren't wearing masks. 

According to government guidance, face coverings must be worn by retail, leisure and hospitality staff working in any indoor area open to the public. 

But Susan Bates Little claims that wasn't the case yesterday when she was shopping at the chain's store on Thorneycroft Industrial Estate, just off Worting Road. 

She took to Twitter to express her anger and call for B&M to provide an update on their policies over mask-wearing. 

Ms Bates Little claimed she was told staff weren't wearing masks because they were anxious. 

Writing to social media, she recounted: “I was so very furious yesterday when I was shopping in Basingstoke. Several shop staff were not wearing masks or taking due care and attention around the store. They were not social distancing, [and they were] coming very close to customers.

“[I] spoke to a manager @bmstores Basingstoke there who told me some of the workers were exempt on medical grounds - anxiety. ANXIETY!  They could have easily been more respectful of the general rules. Meanwhile, there was a recording of a stay safe message and store would like feed back.

“So @bmstores #Basingstoke. Thought you may like to know I was not impressed with staff safety measures. I got home to discover a gross overcharge on some goods which needs sorting & the news that we Plague Island U.K. has well over 100,000 Covid deaths.

“Yes, some folks are exempt. Masks are horrid but a halfway house visa or thin scarf is way forward. Try to keep distant and don’t rush about the @bmstore . Very aware that many people are swinging it & no official checks. Hopeless. Really disappointed.”

B&M Stores have been contacted for a comment.

According to government guidelines, a person is exempted from wearing masks “where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress". 

The guidelines also says: “Face coverings must be worn by retail, leisure and hospitality staff working in any indoor area that is open to the public and where they’re likely to come into contact with a member of the public.”

Do you think retail store staff are not taking necessary steps to safeguard the customers? If you want to share your shopping experience, or if you’re a staff at retail store, we would like to hear from you. Email kiran.sajan@basingstokegazette.co.uk