Swann praises Supermarket silver service
Mr Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist Party’s Spokesman on Social Economy, Energy and Consumer Affairs, has congratulated those supermarkets in the Province which have pledged to develop facilities to assist pensioners and older shoppers.
Mr Swann, who is also a senior member of the North Antrim UUP management committee, made his remarks after attending the launch of a major report into the provision of facilities for older people in supermarkets.
He added: “I would thoroughly commend the Consumer Council for its research report which was commissioned in partnership with Age Concern and entitled Silver Service? Are supermarkets meeting the needs of older shoppers?
“I thoroughly welcome this study and congratulate those major supermarkets in Northern Ireland which have pledged their commitment to older shoppers and supported them during the researching of this report.
“But I would strongly urge those supermarkets and retailers which have not signed up to the ‘silver service’ recommendations to do so as a matter of priority.
“It is no longer good enough for retailers just to listen to their customers; they must also take action on what they are being told.
“Both the Consumer Council and Age Concern are to be especially congratulated on this excellent study as it is the first of its kind in the UK , and I hope it sets a standard that retailers will deliver on.
“What is being asked is not an impossible mission, but quite achievable, and is in the interest of the retailers, as older consumers are big payers in the Northern Ireland economy with an estimated annual spending of £5.7 billion.
“The report has highlighted specific areas which should be addressed without delay to make it easier for some older consumers to access food.
“There needs to be a review of portion sizes, as often older people living alone cannot use or afford to purchase large volumes of items so they can not avail of many special offers or discounts for bulk buying.
“There is also a need for affordable, accessible and nutritional food for everyone in today’s society.
“Equally, there is a need for easily identifiable food labeling, which would reflect not just nutritional information, but also pricing, as both these points of clarity were raised as an issue.
“Access to any facility is a prime necessity, and retailers should ensure their premises are easily accessed by older shoppers through either public or private transport,” said Mr Swann.