Coronavirus: Government to grant supermarkets more flexible delivery times

Time restrictions on deliveries from supermarkets are set to be lifted by the government as it bids to quell people panic buying and ensure people self-isolating with coronavirus remain fed.

The measure was one of a number discussed between retailers, sector body representatives and the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs George Eustice this week.  

Currently, rules are put in place by local authorities that mean deliveries cannot be made from warehouses to stores during “antisocial hours” to avoid disturbing other residents.

Sources on the joint call with Defra said the government viewed increasing online delivery slots as important in ensuring people still have access to food in the event of a wider outbreak, but supermarket retailers pointed out that online delivery currently only accounts for around 7% of all grocery sales in the UK.

Other measures discussed included the need for the sector to engage more with local communities around helping neighbours and friends who are self-isolating, increased click-and-collect slots in-store and even the possibility of relaxing competition laws for deliveries.

Should a decision be made to waive competition law it would be the first time the measure had been implemented in decades.

The move was mooted last year, as supermarkets and the wider food industry expressed concerns to government about the effects a no-deal Brexit would have on supply chains.

Any decision on removing competition restrictions would require the approval of the Competition and Markets Authority.

The British Retail Consortium has welcomed the government’s decision on delivery time flexibility and said it continues to work with both retailers and the government to “alleviate the challenges” posed by coronavirus.

The BRC’s director of food and sustainability Andrew Opie said: “Following requests by the BRC, we welcome the government announcement that supermarkets will be granted greater flexibility in delivery times to help retailers mitigate the increase in demand for certain products.

“While there is plenty of stock available, the challenge for retailers has been to make sure all of it reaches shelves at the earliest opportunity.”

“The BRC continues to work with retailers and government to alleviate the challenges posed by coronavirus. On a joint call with Defra minister, George Eustice, retailers and government discussed ways to help prepare for the ongoing challenges posed by coronavirus. It is essential that government continues to engage in other ways to alleviate the challenges for retailers.”