STAFF at Ikea Warrington are continuing to work shifts at the store as normal despite its closure due to the latest coronavirus lockdown.

It is understood that the hundreds of employees at the Gemini Retail Park branch have not been offered furlough or unpaid leave, and are continuing to attend work in order to fulfil click and collect orders.

Current government guidelines state that you can leave the house to work ‘if you cannot reasonably do so from home’.

While ‘non-essential retail’ must close, businesses are allowed to operate click and collect and delivery services.

But one concerned staff member told the Warrington Guardian: “The entire staff have been given no option of furlough or unpaid leave, regardless of childcare issues and despite the store being closed as non-essential retail.

“All 600 staff are being made to do normal shifts.”

Ikea defended its decision, adding that the safety of staff was the Swedish furniture giant’s ‘highest priority’.

A spokesman said: “These continue to be extraordinary and uncertain times for everyone, and we understand the range of different feelings it generates.

“The safety, health and wellbeing of our co-workers is our highest priority, and that is why we have extremely strict safety measures in all our units.

“Many of our co-workers have shared how being able to come to work safely during the pandemic has supported their mental health and wellbeing in a difficult year.

“However, we are continually reviewing our policies and approaches in these uncertain times and are actively exploring opportunities for more co-workers to work remotely and flexibly around other commitments wherever possible.

“The most recent government guidance is clear, that businesses can continue to fulfil online orders and operate click and collect and delivery services.

“And with more people spending more time at home, there is a clear need for products that enable them to live and work better at home.”