Sainsbury's introduces separate priority times for NHS staff and elderly customers

Sainsbury’s is now reserving half an hour (7:30am - 8am) from Monday to Saturday in all of its supermarkets for NHS and social care workers.

And it will also open for the elderly from 8am – 9am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Its workers are being asked to try their best to keep a supply of essential items aside for these priority times.

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s CEO, says: “We have listened to feedback and decided to allow NHS and social care workers to shop in our supermarkets for half an hour before they open each day. We’re delighted to be able to offer priority shopping to all the hard working NHS staff across the country who are working so hard to keep us all safe and well.”

From this week, all Sainsbury’s supermarkets will be open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, including those with an Argos store. Opening hours in supermarkets on Sunday, in petrol stations and in Sainsbury’s Locals will stay the same.

Don’t forget us teachers!

UK teachers are calling on the grocery giant to include them in its dedicated shopping times initiative.

Boris Johnson recently announced plans to close all schools in the UK to halt the spread of the coronavirus. They will be shut until further notice for all pupils except children of key workers and the most vulnerable. This is a sizeable number of kids and so many teachers will remain on the frontline over the coming months.

Many of them have taken to social media to ask for Sainsbury’s help during these challenging times. “Think the dedicated shopping hour is wonderful. Please consider adding teachers too,” said primary school teacher @emmaccatt.

“We are still working next week providing care and support for key worker's & vulnerable children. It's been horrific trying to get food/supplies due to working hours (especially in London) & this would really help.”

“Yes please! Many of us are at work before 8 am so whilst 8am opening is great for some, it’s not for us. Many will be covering childcare until 6pm too so perhaps a slot 6pm- 7pm for NHS & critical workers when many of us are on the way home?” added @thepetitioner.

Sainsbury’s did not respond to our request for comment.