Vulnerable Scots ‘hurt’ by selfish panic buying

A Scottish Government minister has hit out at “selfish” shoppers who are panic buying vital products during the coronavirus outbreak.

Michael Matheson said the actions of those who were buying more than they needed are impacting on more vulnerable customers.

He spoke out on the issue as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged the public to “be responsible” and remember “we’re all in this together”.

While some supermarkets currently have empty shelves in areas, with shortages of items such as toilet toll, handwash and dried pasta, Mr Matheson said there are “enough supplies within the chain”.

He said: “The issue is with people overbuying, and the selfish nature of that is having an impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Mr Matheson told Holyrood’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee he “very much welcomed” moves by some retailers to introduce dedicated times for elderly and disabled shoppers at the start of the day.

He added: “If people would buy the goods which they require at that particular point, it would ensure that everyone has access to the foodstuffs and household goods they require.”

The transport secretary called on all MSPs to “continue to impress that message within their own communities, to encourage people to act responsibly”.

Meanwhile, Ms Sturgeon said supermarkets had a role to play “in making sure they don’t allow stockpiling and panic-buying to happen”.

But she also urged the general public to “do the right thing” and avoid panic buying.

The UK’s biggest supermarket has become the latest grocer to limit the number of products customers can buy in stores, as it tries to cope with the huge demand from the Covid-19 outbreak.

Tesco said shoppers will be limited to buying just three products per line from today.

Chief executive Dave Lewis said all counter services will close, to free up staff to restock shelves, and a priority hour will be launched at larger stores between 9am and 10am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Stores that previously opened 24 hours, will now close at 10pm each evening.

The move follows similar measures by Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda and Morrisons.