Aylesbury JD Wetherspoons pubs The Bell and White Hart outline plans to re-open

JD Wetherspoons has drawn up plans to ensure that their pubs, staff and customers are safe as they plan to reopen pubs across Great Britain.

The company have said they are all set to open now just waiting for the official 'go-ahead' from Government.

According to the company social distancing measures will be in place around both pubs.

This means two new staff members will be employed per pub, ensuring measures are adhered to and who will also disinfect surfaces and touch points around the pubs.

The company says it has undertaken 'extensive employee consultation' and has also consulted with many of its suppliers and contractors, as well as referring to UK Hospitality guidelines.

Wetherspoons owner Tim Martin came under fire earlier in the year for the treatment of his staff as his pubs were forced to close.

Martin initially told Wetherspoons' 43,000 staff they would not be paid until the beginning of the government programme to cover 80 per cent of salaries of workers temporarily laid off, which could be at the end of April.

The pub chain later reversed the decision after a backlash.

Martin's way of communicating compounded the problem. In a widely-reported video to staff, he suggested they could take jobs at Tesco.

Martin also received sharp criticism for withholding supplier payments until the forced pub closures ended.

As the pub chain looks to re-open, every employee will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work.

This will include having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.

To help avoid as much contact as possible, customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app, wherever possible, or pay at the bar using a credit/debit card and contactless, although cash will be accepted.

There will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.

Wetherspoon will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear for staff.

Employees can elect whether to wear them or not, subject to government guidelines.

There will be an average ten hand sanitiser dispensers around each pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff to use.

The pubs will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible.

Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers and there will be clear printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter the pubs.