Food retailer in Peterborough offers 10 per cent discount to NHS staff

Central England Co-operative, which has 242 stores, says the move is a thank you for the tireless work of those on the frontline of the fight with coronavirus.

All NHS workers have to do is show their ID card when they visit any of the retailer’s food stores to receive 10 per cent off all food and other essentials.

They will also be able to get priority access to Central England Co-op stores by moving to the front of any external queue when waiting to enter.

Debbie Robinson, the Central England Co-op’s chief executive, said: “Our NHS workers are playing a vital role at this uncertain time and that’s why we wanted to do something to say thank you for their incredible efforts.

“Front line workers, similar to our own colleagues in our stores and funeral homes, are essential to ensuring communities continue to be helped and supported and we cannot thank them enough for their efforts.”

The retailer is also backing the weekly 8pm NHS clap on a Thursday that sees people show their appreciation for the work of front-line health workers.

This comes after the retailer previously announced a range of measures to support and say ‘thank you’ to its own colleagues for going above and beyond to keep community stores open.

The retailer reduced its opening hours to allow time for cleaning and restocking shelves with food and essentials, as well as ensuring staff get more time with their families to rest and recuperate.

It also brought forward its annual share of profits and increased its colleague discount.

Plastic screens are also being installed at all till points as part of its ongoing efforts to keep colleagues and customers safe.