Which? responds as Welsh supermarkets told to sell only essentials in lockdown

Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection and Food Policy at Which?, said:

“This announcement will be sure to cause confusion, particularly amongst the vulnerable and the shielding. Our own research showed that almost half of those who described themselves as situationally vulnerable in Wales during the previous lockdown had difficulty accessing the food and groceries they needed.

“The Welsh government must act now to clarify the situation around what retailers can and cannot sell, and must urgently identify those most in need to give them the support to ensure that no one who is at risk struggles to access the food and other basics they need.”

Notes to editors:

• Which? surveyed 1,789 UK adults between 29th May and 17th June 2020. Fieldwork was carried out online by Opinium.
• Respondents identified themselves as either clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, clinically vulnerable to coronavirus or as requiring support in accessing food and or other basic supplies but not clinically vulnerable to coronavirus.
• In Wales almost half (47%) of the situationally vulnerable respondents reported having difficulties getting essentials in the week prior to being surveyed.

Statement