By Victoria Mckeown-
After a measly 1% increase in the pay from the government; NHS workers will at least find some solace in Morrisons after the announcement they are extending their 10% grocery discount to them for the whole of 2021 , despite reporting a 62% drop in pre-tax profits.
A free online delivery pass has also been introduced after research with NHS workers concluded that the biggest pressure on them right now is their own time and that having their groceries delivered to their home or work would be the biggest help to them.
The Uk’s fourth-largest supermarket chain originally introduced the discount at the start of the first lockdown a year ago as a way of saying thank you to the frontline staff. An exclusive hour for NHS shoppers was introduced at the same time and this will also remain.
From April 1st, the NHS 10% discount will be available exclusively for NHS customers shopping in store and, to help those who prefer to do their shopping online, Morrisons is also offering all NHS workers a free Morrisons ‘anytime’ Delivery Pass. The Delivery Pass, worth £65, gives customers free delivery on their online shopping for a whole year.
Morrisons has also said it is making it easier and quicker for NHS staff to redeem their discount in store after listening to feedback from key workers. From April, NHS customers will be asked to join the NHS Club and then use their Morrisons More Card app at the till to claim the discount. This will replace the need for customers to show their NHS staff ID badges.
David Potts, Morrisons chief executive, said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone in the NHS and we have done our best to be there for them from the start.
“Today, I’m really pleased to be extending the 10 per cent discount for the whole of 2021 which I know will make a big difference to so many NHS staff who are working so hard to care for us all.
“As we all look forward to better times ahead, this is our way of showing our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the work everyone in the NHS has done – and continues to do – through the pandemic.”
Morrisons partnered with Amazon at the end of last year enabling Prime customers to order food immediately from a Morrisons store. With John Lewis reporting an annual loss of £517M and announcing that not all its stores will re-open after lockdown the relationship between Morrisons and Amazon will be important as consumers shift more towards on-line shopping