Sainsbury’s is also consolidating its opening hours to give employees enough time to stock shelves and serve shoppers during the times customers need help the most.

That means all Sainsbury’s supermarkets will be open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, including those with an Argos store.

Opening hours in supermarkets on Sunday, in petrol stations and in Sainsbury’s Locals will stay the same.

The spokesman said: “The move will also ensure that the dedicated shopping hour for NHS and social care workers, as well as elderly and vulnerable customers, will be consistent across all stores.”