Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 27
The spike in demand for online grocery shopping and home delivery was an obvious consequence...
Conclusion
The spike in demand for online grocery shopping and home delivery was an obvious consequence of measures designed to stop the spread of COVID-19. We commend the efforts of supermarkets and convenience stores in ramping up their capacity to offer online shopping throughout the pandemic. The Government’s temporary relaxation of rules around drivers’ hours also helped.
Paragraph Reference:
27
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
We echo the Committee’s comments on the efforts of supermarkets and convenience stores. Retailers responded to the increased demand for ‘click and collect’ and online delivery services and worked hard to expand the number of delivery slots. The Government agrees that the temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours rules assisted in retailers being able to make extra deliveries. Defra also waived the 5p carrier bag charge for online orders, which helped minimise the contact between delivery drivers and customers, improving the safety and speed of home deliveries.