DIY store staff under whip to read '50 Shades'

Staff at B&Q stores have been told to read Fifty Shades of Grey and prepare for a massive rise in demand for rope, cable ties and tape.

A leaked memo reveals that workers at the DIY chain have been asked to prepare themselves for "sensitive" customer questions about products that could be used in sexual role play.

The memo, circulated to the DIY store's entire 20887 workforce at 359 stores, is titled "Staff Briefing - Preparation for Fifty Shades of Grey Customer Querie".

It says copies of the erotic novel will be delivered to each store and can then be lent to staff, who are being urged to familiarise themselves with the book so they can deal with any related queries in a "polite, helpful and respectful manner".

The memo says: "We stock many of the products featured in a notable scene and then used later in the film.

"When the book was released in 2012, hardware stores in the UK and US reported increased demand and queries from customers as they tried to recreate their own Fifty Shades experiences.

"All staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves withFifty Shades of Grey."

A B&Q spokesman said: "B&Q remains committed to serving our customers in all their DIY needs and we strive to prepare our staff for any inquiry."