Lidl and Tesco are to introduce dedicated shopping hours for older and
vulnerable customers.
The German discount retailer will prioritise elderly customers from 9am to
11am each day starting tomorrow. There will be prioritised queuing and
additional assistance in-store for customers.
Lidl says the measure is to help protect more vulnerable shoppers due to
increased demand and has asked all customers to respect the dedicated
shopping hours each morning.
A run of coronavirus panic-buying has gripped several countries, emptying
shelves of basic goods despite pleas by authorities to stop.
Experts have warned the phenomenon has hit the most vulnerable the hardest,
including the elderly and those with disabilities who cannot get to shops
every day or are afraid to brave thronged stores.
According to studies of Covid-19 in China, mortality rates are considerably
higher for those over 60 or with pre-existing medical conditions.
Its Managing Director JP Scally has said "it is our responsibility to to
look after the more vulnerable in society in these challenging times".
Lidl also said that there is enough stock in its supply chains despite
"stronger customer numbers in recent days".
Mr Scally said, there is enough stock in our supply chain for everyone".
Tesco Ireland later announced a similar measure, promising "dedicated
access" to over 65s on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings before 9am,
starting this Wednesday.
Tesco stores open at 7am or 8am, every morning, depending on location.
A Northern Ireland branch of the supermarket chain Iceland has announced a
similar move.
Some retail outlets are failing to adhere to HSE guidelines on managing the
Covid-19 virus, according to the Mandate trade union.
In a statement, Mandate Assistant General Secretary Gerry Light said dozens
of members had raised concerns for their safety and the potential to spread
the virus.
He said that while some outlets may be attempting to abide by HSE
guidelines, there was an "uneven" approach across the industry.
The union has written to all major retail outlets citing concerns about
customer overcrowding "...contrary to HSE Covid-19 guidelines", which
preclude indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people.
He also raises issues around alleged non-compliance on social distancing,
non-provision of hand sanitiser at checkouts, and shopping trolleys and
tills not being properly and regularly sanitised.
Mr. Light also alleges that some outlets have enged in an "...unreasonable
refusal to provide protective gloves and face masks", and claims staff
returning from high risk areas have been allowed to work.
Mr. Light states: "It is a matter of concern that some retailers who are
parented in the UK are taking advice and instructions from the management
teams there and this is totally inappropriate given that such advice is
likely to be influenced by the regularity guidelines prevailing in that
jurisdiction and not here."
He goes on to state: "In dealing with the various challenges that
undoubtedly lie ahead we once again ask for a creative and flexible approach
particularly when it comes to the application of our members' statutory and
contractual entitlements."
He concludes: "While retail services are essential during these trying and
difficult times, there are precautions that can and must be implemented to
reduce the spread of the virus and protect workers from unnecessarily
contracting it. Lives are at stake and retailers must ensure no shortcuts
are taken on health and safety so that we can get through this as quickly
and as safely as possible."
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