JD Wetherspoon unveils initial £11m social distancing plan

JD Wetherspoon has unveiled plans to invest £11m to implement social distancing measures across its estate of 875 pubs across the UK and Ireland

The investment will see at least two additional full-time staff members taken on at each site to ensure the regular cleaning of surfaces and touch points. A dedicated staff member will also be tasked with maintaining social distancing standards.

JD Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: "At present the government has not confirmed any reopening date for pubs.

"However, it is important that we are prepared for any announcement. We have spent a number of weeks consulting with staff who work in our pubs, as well as area managers in order to draw up our plans.

"We have received more than 2,500 suggestions from our staff. The safety of our staff and customers is paramount."

The pub giant will install screens at all till points and between seating areas where tables cannot be adequately separated, as well as providing gloves, masks and protective eyewear to all employees.

An average of 10 hand sanitising points will be installed in each site and employees will have to compete a daily health assessment form and have their temperature taken.

Where possible pubs will operate separate entrance and exit points and use of the Wetherspoon app to order and pay will be requested wherever possible, with staff operating table service. Menus will be slightly reduced, with condiments supplied via sachets.

JD Wetherspoon has said it plans to operate its usual opening hours of 8am to midnight (Sunday to Thursday) and 8am to 1am (Friday and Saturday), at most sites.

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