Russell Jenkins, operations director of the Jenkins Bakery, gives a statement on the coronavirus situation –
It is clear that the coronavirus crisis represents an unprecedented situation for us all.
Like all businesses, we are in uncharted territory here.
But, as a hugely popular chain of bakery shops, we know that we play an important part in community life for our customers.
The health and wellbeing of both customers and our dedicated and professional work colleagues is hugely important to us.
As a responsible employer and as a bakery business committed to supplying customers with high-quality crafted products, we are committed to following official guidance from the government – both at UK and Welsh level.
Our policies and procedures are being constantly reviewed to reflect the best available information and advice.
The message has been repeated so often now that you are all familiar with it – the most effective way to minimise the spread of coronavirus is regular hand washing.
As a retailer and food-producer, hand washing is integral to the way we do things here at the Jenkins Bakery HQ in Trostre and in our 30 shops across south Wales.
We pride ourselves on the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness across the business.
We constantly remind our teams to follow the robust procedures that are already in place.
Already, we have taken further precautionary measures, including more frequent cleaning and sanitising of all shop surfaces and equipment.
Our cafes will remain open for the time being, but we urge customers to adopt safe distance protocols.
We appreciate that, for many, our shops and cafes also provide an important social and community service.
For now, will no longer serve hot drinks in reusable cups.
We would prefer if all customers would pay for purchases by card – a debit / credit card. This is a service which is free of charge. This will avoid notes and coins being exchanged by hand.
We will be reviewing opening hours, with earlier closing times in the afternoon.
Please check with your local shop as the hours may be different for individual outlets.
We aim to keep all our food supplies going and shops open.
But, this is a constantly-changing situation and if conditions determine that a shop must be closed we will provide notices directing customers to the nearest alternative.
We will provide regular updates on our website and social media.
As the news and media remind us, events are moving very quickly.
With that in mind, we will continue to monitor the situation closely, reviewing developments and the latest government advice to consider what decisions we take in the future.
This is a family-run, traditional business founded on good practice – and with nearly 100 years of operating experience.
As always, we thank our customers, our staff and our suppliers for their loyal support.
These are difficult times, but we are resilient.
With professional expertise, relying on the best possible health and wellbeing information, we will get through this unprecedented situation.
Diolch yn fawr. Thank you for your support. It is at times like these that communities unite in common purpose. It is important to keep one another safe during these very challenging times.
