In what has to be the most bizarre directive ever sent by a head office to its staff, B&Q is telling employees in all its branches to mug up on sexual bondage practices.
The DIY retailer is sending copies of the raunchy novel Fifty Shades of Grey to every store and asking staff to read it so that they can find out precisely what goes on behind some closed doors - and what that is likely to mean for B&Q.

The instruction was sent in a secret memo ahead of this Saturday's much-publicised release of the film based on the book. Preview footage depicts a scene in which key character Christian Grey visits a hardware store to buy rope, cable ties and tape. But, the memo solemnly informs its staff, these are not "bought for home improvement purposes".

B&Q expects that their real intended use will now spark a surge in demand for the products as customers try to emulate what it calls "Mr Grey's unconventional sexual pursuits". And it wants employees to be ready for it.

"As the UK's leading DIY store, we stock many of the products featured in this notable scene and then used later in the film," says the memo. "When the book was released in 2012 DIY and hardware stores in the UK and US reported increased demand of certain products and queries from customers as they tried to recreate their own 'Fifty Shades' experiences. We need to be prepared for the same effect when the film is released this month.

"It is always B&Q's policy that products should only be used for their designed purposes. Nevertheless, all staff should read this briefing notice to prepare for potentially sensitive customer enquiries and managers need to be aware of the implications that the film may have on stock levels."

It says staff should familiarise themselves with the content of Fifty Shades of Grey by reading the novel, and that understanding the storyline and how some products that B&Q stock feature in the film will better prepare staff for incoming queries.

"Queries may be unusual and sensitive in nature but staff are reminded of B&Q's commitment to assist customers in a polite, helpful and respectful manner. A level of discretion is also advised," the memo adds.

Store managers are requested to monitor stock levels of rope, cable ties, masking tape and duck tape to ensure that supplies do not run low.

Tantalisingly, the memo finishes by telling staff to expect "a second briefing".

A B&Q spokesperson told The Telegraph: "Customer satisfaction is always our number one priority." The retailer's ratings on that score may rise considerably this weekend.