Coronavirus: Tesco cuts opening hours

Tesco staff are being given more time to restock the shelves, which are being depleted quickly as shoppers stockpile

Grocery giants Tesco announced last night that all its 24-hour stores will reduce their hours with immediate effect. 

The supermarket's 24-hour stores - like the ones on Featherstall Road in Oldham and Huddersfield Road - will now 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 yesterday (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.

The smaller Tesco Express outlets - like the ones on Ashton Road, Lees Road and in Shaw - will continue to open from 7am untill 11pm for now.

Tesco Extra's petrol station on Huddersfield Road is still open 24 hours for fuel customers.

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.”

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