Boots on Gemini under fire over working conditions

Boots has come under fire from the individual due to claims being made about the safety and well-being of staff members at the site.

According to the claims, staff are being forced to work in extreme temperatures during the summer months.

Staff at the store are being made to work in hot conditions without functioning air conditioning, an individual has claimed (Image: Maps)

On top of this, the site currently does not have functioning air conditioning units, making matters even worse.

The individual - who shall remain nameless - spoke to the Warrington Guardian, saying: "I am fed up with my daughter coming home from work feeling ill and exhausted because of the atrocious heat in the store.

"Staff are fainting, customers are being ill and yet the air con has not been fixed for five years - enough is enough."

They added: "The store gets to 36 or 37 degrees and higher, and the portable fans they have cut out all the time.

"It’s not safe to have this continuing.

"They promised to get it sorted 'soon' - this is always too late, it needs doing now."

When the allegations were put to Boots in June, no response was received.

A further comment request was submitted in July, with a spokesperson saying: "We are expecting the air conditioning to be fixed at our Warrington Gemini Retail Park store.

"In the meantime, we have mobile air coolers in place around the store to help keep both team members and customers as cool as possible.”

The spokesperson also outlined measures that are being taken in the store - which the complainant disputes - which include:

• Additional cold water is available
• Staff are encouraged to take additional breaks outside
• Staff have the option of wearing looser cooler clothing instead of their usual uniform

The parent of the employee in question added: "Boots have made multiple promises to the staff and always cancel any actions last minute.

"This is adding insult to injury.

"Hope they will not go back on their promises this time."