“FREEZING” workplace temperatures have received the cold shoulder from Tesco staff.

An employee at the supermarket on Viaduct Street says he has been working in sub-zero conditions due to problems with the store’s heating system.

One worker, who did not wish to be named, claimed the temperature had dropped to -10°C on one shift.

And, said the employee, frosty conditions have been plaguing staff for two years on the shop floor and in the canteen upstairs.

The worker said: “I work in a hat, scarf and gloves because it’s freezing. It’s very unpleasant.

“At the end of the shift you’re just frozen and you just get excuse after excuse.

“They’re just fobbing us off.

“We don’t know what to believe.”

The Workplace Regulations 1992 states: “The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16°C unless much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13°C.”

“The temperature in workrooms should provide reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing. Where such a temperature is impractical because of hot or cold processes, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a temperature which is as close as possible to comfortable.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “There have been problems on and off with the heating. Engineers have been called to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible.

“We are offering staff extra breaks for warm drinks and advising them to bring in extra clothing as a temporary measure until it is fixed.”