Coronavirus: Sainsbury’s extends dedicated shopping hour to NHS and social care workers

Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sainsbury’s has extended the dedicated shopping hour it created for elderly and vulnerable customers to also include NHS and social care workers. Sainsbury’s’ CEO Mike Coupe explained in an open letter that NHS and social care workers need only show their pass or ID when they come to the supermarket. “We will be working to keep our shelves well stocked and would encourage customers to arrive throughout the hour to prevent queues forming and help everyone keep a safe distance.” The introduction of Sainsbury’s’ latest measure comes following the circulation of a heartbreaking video, in which a critical care nurse despaired after finding shelves empty on a trip to the supermarket. “You just need to stop it, because it’s people like me that are going to be looking after you when you’re at your lowest so just stop it.” In addition to establishing dedicated shopping hours for certain individuals, Sainsbury’s has also changed its opening hours from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, in order to give staff time to restock shelves.