Supermarkets to dedicate first hour of opening to elderly and vulnerable people. · petition

What the petition asks

Due to an increased demand for groceries and home products, there has been a shortage of popular products such as pasta, toilet rolls and canned food. Hence, the first hour of opening time in supermarkets should be dedicated to the elderly/vulnerable individuals who face a grave risk to the virus.

This should be carried out as a direct result of the panic amongst the general public where many individuals are stocking up on goods from the impact of coronavirus. Hence leaving members who are Elderly or vulnerable of our population without necessities. There have been a rise in videos shown on social media young individuals and families stocking up more than two years supply leaving those who need it most empty handed and struggling to cope. There are abusive attacks on elderly people too.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

The opening arrangements for supermarkets are a matter for individual retailers, not the Government or Parliament. A number of retailers have announced plans to open early for elderly or vulnerable customers. You should contact your local supermarket to find out if they have put such arrangements in place.

The Government has made certain changes to enable supermarkets to work together during the coronavirus outbreak, particularly to serve customers who are elderly, ill or vulnerable: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/supermarkets-to-join-forces-to-feed-the-nation

You can find out more about coronavirus and how you can protect yourself and others here:

NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Timeline

16 Mar 2020	Petition opened for signatures
24 Mar 2020	Rejected by the Petitions Committee