Supermarkets emergency service workers (EWS) only hours have been praised by the Police Federation.

Marks and Spencers and Lidl now all have opening hours for officers to enable them to get the supplies they need.

This development follows the wide-circulation of a video last week of a critical care nurse in tears after panic-buyers had left the shelves empty at her local store due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Aldi made the announcement of the change in their policy today and John Apter, chair of the Police Federation, called on other companies to follow suit.

Mr Apter said on twitter: “This is great news from Aldi and I know Marks and Spencer have done similar, thank you! I ask that other big supermarkets now do the same, 999 colleagues need your support. @sainsburys @Morrisons @asda @LidlGB @Tesco #ThankYou”

Starting this Sunday (29 March) officers can visit their local Aldi between 9:30am – 10am. They will also be given priority at the checkout when they open at 10am. ID will be required to gain early entry. 

Marks and Spencers have set aside the first hour of trading on Tuesdays and Fridays for ESWs, including officers.

Sainsburys,Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons and Aldi all have reserved hours just for NHS workers at this stage.