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Mar 2020

Last Updated: 24/03/2020

Care workers and elderly take advantage of priority shopping hours

by Tim

| 23 Mar, 2020

Proof of employment and age were needed at Sainsbury’s in Ripon as the store opened its doors early this morning

From 7.30 to 8am, there was a steady and orderly stream of health sector employees and care workers going into the Sainsbury's in Ripon, arriving through its car park entrance at the rear. To gain access they were asked, by a member of the security team, to show badges proving their eligibility.

Among them was North Yorkshire County Council care and support worker, Jackie Harrison, who looks after elderly and vulnerable people living in extra care housing.

Mrs Harrison, (pictured above), who had just finished a night shift, said:

“This is a great help to me, because of my shift pattern I have only been able to get to the shops at times when the shelves have been cleared of the items that I need.”

Her shop included a large tin of coffee, oranges and two packs of self-bake baguettes.

While NHS employees and care workers had the store to themselves from 7.30am until 8am, between 8am and 9am elderly and vulnerable people had the opportunity to buy.

Widower Ian Hepburn (below), who is 77 and volunteers two days a week to help people with learning difficulties at the charity Ripon Community Link, was delighted to be able to buy pasta and pizza.

He told The Stray Ferret:

“I live on my own and don’t need to buy a large number of things, but with the panic buying that has been going on across many shops, I’ve recently found that the odd item I’m looking for is already gone from the shelves. At least this gives me and others like me a chance."

Dan Richardson, who is manager of the Ripon store, was on-hand to greet the priority early-morning shoppers. He said:

“It’s only right that society as a whole pulls together and ensures that key workers from the NHS and care sector, along with older and vulnerable people, are given a fair chance to buy what they need and in that respect, we are happy to do our bit.”

Priority Opening Hours for NHS staff and care workers:

Sainsburys: 7.30am to 8am opening for NHS and care workers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

ASDA: 8am to 9am Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

The Co-Op:8am to 9am Monday to Saturday and 10am to 11am on Sundays

M&S: 8am to 9am Tuesdays and Fridays

Morrisons: 7am to 8am Monday to Saturday

Priority opening for elderly, disabled people and their carers :

The Co-Op: providing a dedicated hour for those at higher risk -times vary from store to store

M&S: 8am to 9am Mondays and Thursdays

Sainsburys: 8am to 9am priority opening for elderly and vulnerable people.

Morrisons: 9am to 10am Monday to Saturday

Waitrose: 8am to 9am Monday to Saturday