Jade Fleur Leadbeater, 22, has spoken to Nub News Falmouth about what life is like as a key worker during the pandemic.

Originally from Huddersfield, Jade came to Falmouth to study Fine Art and graduated in 2019.

She has been working locally in Falmouth for the last two and a half years.

Her first job was at Select Convenience on The Moor, and she has recently acquired a new role at Premier Bar Stores.

Jade told Nub News about the positives of working in a supportive team:

"I recently left Select Convenience but was working there up until a week ago.

"My manager, Anne Parish, and all the team are still like family to me. It was comfortable knowing we were all in it together.

"It's having that bond with colleagues that really help you to push through and enjoy going to work every day, even during a pandemic."

In recent times, however, Jade feels she has seen people not respecting government advice first-hand, she said:

"Customers have been a major issue for me and my colleagues.

"We still have an alarming number of people who think it's acceptable to still walk in and buy a coke can or packet of crisps because of the convenience of the shops being close to their residential and student housing.

"For me, anyone who is a key worker, still working, or out for their daily hour of exercise is fine.

"But we have been told to not go out unless it's for essentials, this shopping isn't essential and it's heightening the number of people coming and going."

Jade has had to experience some unpleasantries from customers too, she said:

"I have had an issue with a particular customer being aggressive and rude towards me.

"I was told 'I hope you get it' by a customer.

"I was reaching over the till to get anti-bacterial gel and he was stood at the post office - he stormed into the shop when two people were already in.

"He shouted at me to get two meters away from him and I was gobsmacked, I asked him to speak to me with respect and he said he didn't have to.

"I walked away to do a job and he turned around and looked at me dead in the eyes and shouted 'I hope you get it' - a member of staff serving him said there was no reason for him to speak to me that way.

"Every member of staff was shocked and angry.

"At this time everyone is very uncertain and on edge, but in no way would I ever think someone could act so disrespectfully not just to a key worker but to anyone."

Jade believes that the main majority of customers are considerate, however.

"I haven't let the negative attitude from customers affect me as the amount of amazing, lovely and respectful customers I've crossed paths with outweigh the negative and for that, it makes me proud to work in retail during a time like this."

The fear of not having an income keeps Jade going to work, despite the higher risk of contracting the virus.

"I am concerned just like anyone, but it's a risk I have to take to be able to still work, as I keep reminding myself of all the people who have been laid off from their employers.

"Businesses that have been open for years and years having to close their doors potentially forever is extremely heartbreaking to witness."

Jade feels there are still some people who don't fully respect the risk she and her colleagues are taking, saying:

"I feel that some people still look at retail workers like they are that just someone who works in a shop.

"I've had conversations with family, friends and co-workers about how if it wasn't for us deciding to stay open, no one would have access to food and drink.

"I know I don't work in a big store like Asda or Sainsbury's, but we are still providing the same service, and if one day we all became fed up with customers disrespecting us, there would be an uproar."

Jade still remains hopeful and positive for the future.

"In this time I think we all need to be reminded that it won't be forever, we are living in a time of uncertainty and it's scary, but with each day it's a step forward to regaining normality."

• The Penryn resident who is using comedy to help people through the lockdown.