Poundstretcher owner faces jury over health and safety charges

The owner of Poundstretcher, a chain of discount stores, is facing trial after pleading not guilty to 10 alleged health and safety offences.

Abdul Aziz Tayub recently made a Swindon Crown Court appearance facing charges of breaching health and safety regulations. The company submitted a guilty plea to 16 charges of breaching health and safety, although allegations are that the breach occurred with the owner's “consent, connivance or neglect”.

Tayub, 60, denied any wrongdoing and will face a trial during the autumn. The alleged breaches are believed to refer to the store located on Oxford Road in St Margaret's Retail Park in Swindon, taking place over a period of time in late 2014. The case was adjourned until 31st October by Judge Peter Blair QC, and Tayub was released under bail conditions.

The company pleaded guilty to charges including Personal Protective Equipment at Work regulations, Work at Heights regulations and Reporting of Injuries, Diseases or Dangerous Occurrences.

There are 400 branches of Poundstretcher around the country, in addition to a number of stores in the Gulf states. Swindon Borough Council brought the charges against the company and the owner and, although the company pleaded guilty to charges, sentencing won't be dealt with until the trial for Tayub has been heard.

Companies have a duty of care to members of the public and its workforce, which may include the use of PPE and the provision of specialist workwear when using hazardous substances.