Mayor of Wakefield gives a 'big thank you' to district's supermarket staff for their work during pandemic

Councillor Charlie Keith, the Mayor of Wakefield, paid a visit to earlier this week to Sainsbury's at Trinity Walk, where he presented a special certificate recognising the efforts that staff have gone to during the pandemic.

As part of his Mayor Says Thanks initiative, he also donated £100 to the store's charity partner The Well Project.

Coun Keith said: “As part of my Mayor Says Thanks recognition award programme, I wanted to say a big thank you to key workers who have stuck diligently to their tasks throughout the Covid episode, as we approach the anniversary of the first lockdown.

"Especially all the supermarket workers who have kept us fed and supplied over the last 12 months when restrictions have been in place.

"Their commitment to the job they do is often taken for granted as an expectation by the public.

"But without them putting on their coats and going out to work, knowing they may have to deal with situations and circumstances they would prefer not to face, the communities of the district would have to go without.

"So, to all the checkout staff, door to door delivery people, supply chain drivers, shelf stackers, security personnel, admin and backroom staff alike.

"To all of you at Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk I sincerely say, Thank you on behalf of the people of the Wakefield District.”

As an essential retailer, Sainsbury's has remained open through the pandemic, with staff including delivery drivers, checkout staff and security continuing to work.

Sainsbury's Trinity Walk Store Manager Steve Brown said: "Both me and all the colleagues at the store would like to thank the Mayor of Wakefield for visiting us to acknowledge the work we have done during the last twelve months.

"We are all so proud to receive The Mayor’s Award as recognition of our efforts in the fight against Covid-19. It will be displayed and serve as memories of a proud moment during the pandemic.”

In a video to Sainsbury's staff recorded after his visit to Trinity Walk, Coun Keith said: "It's about you, the people, who every day have put your coat on and gone to work during the last twelve months, not knowing what you're going to come home bringing with you.

"You really deserve a pat on the back and my admiration.

"So on behalf of the district of Wakefield, I say a big thing you to you for all that you've done and all that you're doing."

Coun Keith launched his Mayor Says Thanks initiative after being appointed as Mayor, promising to shine a light on "people who do great things and never expect recognition".

He has previously recognised care home staff, St John's Ambulance Volunteers and workers at the Morrisons on Dewsbury Road.