THE company behind major household names, Currys PC World and Carphone Warehouse has been slammed for its efforts to remain open, putting colleagues health "at risk."

Dixons Carphone, which operates electrical and mobile phone stores across the North-East, suggested stores would remain open for "as long as they could" despite the coronavirus pandemic.

In an email sent to customers before the Prime Minister ordered all non-essential businesses to close, Currys PC World said it was "racing" to install kerbside checkouts to deal with customers.

The email also suggested it was working to provide a "contact-free" set up at its stores while enforcing a "safe distance" between colleagues and customers.

However, an internal memo seen by The Northern Echo suggested Dixons Carphone knew staff members were not always able to maintain social distancing measures before Monday's lockdown.

The Northern Echo: The scene at a Currys PC World store just hours before the lockdown Picture: TRACEY LATIMERThe scene at a Currys PC World store just hours before the lockdown Picture: TRACEY LATIMER

In an internal memo sent before the Prime Minister's announcement, Chief Executive Alex Baldock told its employees all stores except 145 across the UK would remain open.

It said: “What matters more than anything else is the safety and wellbeing of all our colleagues. We will take every step to protect you.

"And so, for now, we’ll close all UK stores, from tomorrow, with the exception of 145 “contact-free “ 3-in-1 Currys PC World store fronts.”

He also acknowleged that staff had not always managed to maintain social distancing guidelines.

The memo said: "You haven't always found it easy in normal trading to keep to the government instructions of two metres safe social distance from other colleagues and customers in stores."

Accusing the firm of putting profits before the health of customers and colleagues before the closure, disgruntled employees slammed the firm on social media.

One employee said: "Workers can still transmit to other workers who then transmit to family. This isn't safe.

"It is not possible for complete 'contact free' - how are we meant to give deliveries to people without paperwork and seeing documents. Disgraceful."

Another said: "It's absolutely disgusting making staff work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reduced store hours is not going to help anthing.

"They care more about their money and sales than the health of their staff."

Dixons Carphone has since closed all of its stores, focussing solely on delivering goods via its online website.

In a statement posted on social media, Currys PC World said: "All our UK stores are now shut in line with the government's announcement last night.

"Emails were sent before that new guidance. It can take time for these emails to reach some customers' inboxes and we apologise for any confusion."

  • Dixons Carphone could not be reached for comment