The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called for any businesses who are banning commercial drivers from using their toilet facilities in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak to drop the policy.

FTA members have reported that commercial drivers across the nation are being refused entry to businesses’ toilet facilities due to COVID-19 concerns. In addition, numerous drivers have taken to social media to tell of the problems they have had with being allowed to access toilet and handwashing facilities at certain distribution centres.

Sally Gilson, head of skills policy at FTA, urged any businesses that have banned outside drivers from accessing toilets to drop the policy. “The logistics sector is doing everything possible to keep supermarkets stocked in this time of unprecedented demand for food and other basic items, but it needs the support of businesses in order to do so.

“If these drivers are unable to take the basic precautionary measure of keeping their hands clean – something recommended heavily by government – then they are more likely to succumb to the illness, and in turn, will no longer be able to keep supermarkets, schools and hospitals etc stocked with the goods required. Businesses within this industry are determined to keep the UK economy operating as normally as possible; we just ask for the support of businesses during this turbulent time.”

It is a legal requirement for distribution centres and the like to offer toilet and handwashing facilities to drivers. The coronavirus outbreak does not change this, according to Public Health England.

“According to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, the receivers of deliveries are required to play their part in the overall provision of basic facilities; we urge businesses to remember their legal obligations and provide drivers with sufficient toilet and washing facilities,” Gilson added.