Aldi shoppers have expressed their outrage over the discounter's plans to introduce new self-checkouts in a bid to speed up transactions in stores.
The budget supermarket has confirmed that it's rolling out new self-serve tills in four more stores, after a successful trial at its Glascote branch in Staffordshire last year.
However, disappointed shoppers have threatened to boycott the chain over concerns it will add more stress to their shopping experience.
Customers also told Mirror Money they fear the new changes may lead to job cuts as robots and computers continue to replace human roles on the high street - a move Aldi has categorically denied.
"Wouldn't mind one self service till for people with only a few things, but I'm against them as they will cut people's jobs. Plus, I like the chat you have with the sales staff," reader Jacqueline told Mirror Money.
Another customer, Michaela, agrees.
"It's taking people's jobs as far as I can see. We're in a society where we want everything instantly and so everything is becoming self serve and I do worry that it's taking jobs away!"
Reader Claire told Mirror Money it will ruin her in store experience as she enjoys interacting with staff at the tills.
"Lidl has them and they are a good idea, if you want to go through quicker. I like having a chat with the checkout people though as they are always chatty and friendly and comment on my shopping, which I find very funny."
Customer Katie told Mirror Money it would strip the personality out of her Aldi experience.
"I think they are potentially a good idea for those who have a few things but they do cost people their jobs so that's a big negative. Also, the staff are so friendly - it would be a shame to de-personalise the Aldi experience. If they could man a till or two for baskets only so no one loses jobs, I'd be happier."
But others disagree it could put people's jobs at risk.
Customer Helen Short said: "I think they are a good idea for small quantities. I don't think people will lose their jobs as it's not like they are sat on the tills all day and most people do a big shop. It would probably encourage people who just want to grab a sandwich on their lunch break."
"No one at Aldi would lose a job over a self service till as no one in also is employed solely as a checkout assistant," Mirror reader Tony said.
The four new locations which will be getting self service tills as part of Aldi's ongoing trial include Woodgate in Leicester, Manchester Arndale, Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire andBedford.
Lorraine Simmons told us: "I am pleased this is being considered because when on a lunch break the queuing system is unfair and lengthy. There is no chance of getting in and out in less than 5/10 minutes.
"Most people who shop at Aldi do a 'big shop' and for that, it makes sense to not use the self service.
"This being said, I am all for keeping people in jobs and not having machines and robots do it for us so I am surprised Aldi haven’t been sensible and offered express tills first - such as less than 10 items."
Irene Jones told Mirror Online: "Quick service check outs are only a good idea as an addition to the normal checkout as this would reduce queues using the current method.
"Self service check outs are only beneficial to customers who have a few items. To undertake a full shop by this method would be very time consuming and a frustration to others in the queue."
