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:

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:

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

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