Tesco has announced plans to hire 20,000 new staff to work in its stores for at least the next 12 weeks after “unprecedented” demand from shoppers.
Stores across the UK have been clearing out rapidly as people stock up on essential supplies following the outbreak of covid-19.
Natasha Adams, Tesco’s chief people officer, said: “I’m so proud to be welcoming thousands of new colleagues to Tesco.
“Thank you to everyone offering to help as we work day and night to keep our shelves full for customers.
“The community spirit at Tesco is fantastic and together, we can do this.”
From today, all our stores (except Express stores) will be prioritising the elderly and most vulnerable for one hour between 9am and 10am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Because now, more than ever, #EveryLittleHelps. pic.twitter.com/pjA4FZcgyX— Tesco (@Tesco) March 20, 2020
It comes after the retail giant announced it would be prioritising the most elderly and vulnerable customers between the hours of 9am and 10m on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK rose to 177 on Friday.
There have been 167 in England, six in Scotland, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
The number of deaths across the UK is up 40 on the equivalent total for Thursday – the biggest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began.
The first coronavirus-related death in the UK was reported 15 days ago, on March 5.
It comes after the Scottish Government revealed there were 322 confirmed cases north of the border.
In Tayside and Fife there have been 43 confirmed cases.
