Frontline supermarket staff risk their lives every day and deserve better pay

The pandemic has highlighted the value of those helping us put food on the table, let's give them a real living wage, writes Laura Gardiner

A woman works on a checkout behind a plastic screen to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission (AFP via Getty Images)

I was amused to receive a year-in-review email last week informing me that I had achieved the status of “number two purchaser of parmesan in 2020” in my local supermarket. I was also shocked to find out the number of trips I had made to that supermarket over the past 12 months.

My experience will be a common one. For much of the past year, staying at home has meant being more reliant than usual on our local supermarkets. Those supermarkets have responded impressively – swiftly making shops Covid-secure, adjusting opening hours, and delivering groceries to millions who’ve been asked to shield.  

Supermarkets have been rewarded financially for these efforts – profits are strong, and Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons have reported bumper sales in their Christmas trading statements.