Shoppers have slammed Tesco after the supermarket confirmed it has plans to replace staffed tills with more self-service checkouts.
Self-service checkouts have previously only been used for baskets, but the supermarket has been trialling ones which are designed for customers using trolleys.
This would allow them to use more of the tills in this way as customers who had come in for a bigger shop would also be able to use the self-service, at least in theory.
However, the decision has already proved unpopular with customers, many of whom have said that they will choose not to use the self-service tills.
Critics of the move have raised concerns about job security for checkout staff who could find themselves replaced if the new plan goes ahead.
While self-checkouts do still require a member of staff to monitor them, with jobs such as checking ID on age-restricted products and troubleshooting any issues customers have.
However, they do not require the same staffing levels as conventional tills.
Grocery Insight chief executive Steve Dresser highlighted that the move could allow stores to use the space more efficiently.
He told the Express: “Stores are moving to dedicated checkouts rather than manned checkouts that sit empty.
“[ Tesco ’s decision] would make sense given Asda has done the same and we know self-service and scan as you shop has grown post-Covid.”
But shoppers are not impressed, with many taking to social media to criticise the move. Twitter user @mad_musings53 wrote: “Chef at work today was telling me he was moaning at the checkout at Tesco about all the self-checkouts now.
"Staff are actively asking customers to boycott them. If enough people don’t use them they will be ripped out and manned tills will replace them.”
@economics21st commented: “I hate the self-checkouts; always go to a person manning a till, say “hello”, and maybe have a short conversation. And they put the shopping through efficiently.”
