Vital care workers say they are being left behind as people continue to clear supermarket shelves as soon as they open. 

Although NHS staff are being given priority access to some shops at designated times, the rules do not always apply to those employed by private organisations. 

However, care home staff and others all play an essential part in keeping elderly and vulnerable people safe and well as the coronavirus pandemic continues. As a result, their work relieves pressure on the NHS by reducing the number of people needing medical care or hospital beds. 

Suzanne Kay, who works at Belmont House in Starbeck, said she has been left unable to get basic provisions because of her long shifts. 

“It’s an absolute nightmare,” she said. “Because I work 12-hour shifts, if I get a lift home I get back to Ripon at 8.30pm. By that time, there’s nothing left. What do you do?” 

After work , Suzanne said she is struggling to come up with meals to feed herself and her 18-year-old son, who has lost his job in a cinema this week. 

“We’re just having to live off what we can,” she said. “By the time I get home, it’s shower, bed and ready to do it all again the next day.”  

Routine is essential

Yesterday the Government urged people not to panic buy. In its daily briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary George Eustice, said that everybody in the UK needs to play their part and shop responsibly:

“Be responsible when you shop. Buying more than you need means that others may be left without.”