Tesco announces 24-hour stores will reduce hours from tonight (2024)

Tesco has announced that all its 24-hour stores will reduce their hours from tonight.

The supermarket's 24-hour stores will from Tuesday night open only between 6am and 10pm to give staff more time to restock the shelves, which are being depleted quickly as shoppers stockpile.

Staff in stores were reportedly informed on Tuesday afternoon and it was not immediately clear whether some will see their shift hours cut during the uncertain times.

Details are being updated online with new store opening times, and it is believed some larger 24-hour stores that have pharmacies will remain open beyond 10pm.

A Tesco spokesperson said: "​We are changing these store hours to ensure we can serve customers better at this time.

"It gives our colleagues the time overnight to restock the store, replenish the shelves and support our online grocery service at a time when demand is high.”

The decision comes as the Government announced a business rates holiday for all retailers and the leisure industry.

Earlier on Tuesday, Morrisons revealed a series of packages to protect staff and announce an expansion of its online operations - including 3,500 new jobs.

Supermarkets have seen a surge in shoppers stocking up on essentials, and said supply chains are working well. However, there have been reports of abuse aimed at staff.

On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the British public to avoid all non-essential social contact as well as venues like pubs, restaurants and theatres.

He has also repeatedly urged shoppers to be sensible when buying food.

But at a press conference on Tuesday he was asked again if supplies will last.

He said: "We are absolutely confident our supply chains are working, and will work, and we will get farm to fork food supplies."Therefore people should have no reason to stockpile or panic buy."

But industry sources recently said: "Shoppers over coronavirus is getting worse despite appeals for calm and supermarket bosses are concerned the government is yet to get to grips with the magnitude of the crisis."

On Sunday, the food industry appealed to shoppers to stop panic buying, placing adverts in national newspapers.

But by Tuesday shelves were stripped bare of items such as pasta, soap meggs and chicken, and freezer shelves were emptied.

Meanwhile, the death toll from coronavirus in the UK has hit 71 while cases reached 1,950.

The NHS said 67 people in England have now died from the virus after 14 more secumbed to the virus as of Tuesday.

Seven of the deaths were in London, which has emerged as the epicentre of the country's outbreak.

A statement from NHS England said: “A further 14 people, who tested positive for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in England to 67.

“Patients were aged between 93 and 45 years old and had underlying health conditions. Their families have been informed.”