In response to growing concerns over the accessibility of supermarkets and retailers ahead of a potential second wave of restrictions, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published new guidance to help the industry better assist disabled customers during the pandemic.
The new guidance outlines retailers’ legal obligations to help disabled customers and is accompanied by infographics to ensure retailers are clear on their obligations:
- provide a service that meets the needs of all customers – anticipate, prepare and make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers
- plan ahead to think about the needs of your disabled customers – consider and make changes to policies and procedures, as well as provide extra support and equipment, where necessary
- communicate with your customers – inform customers about how they will be supported through a variety of ways such as easy to read signs and spoken announcements
- train your staff – ensure that staff are supported with the right tools to help disabled customers, in line with the latest government guidelines on coronavirus (COVID-19)
For further information please visit the EHRC website.