Supermarkets and grocery businesses across the UK are pausing business today as the nation comes together to bid a final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II.
The state funeral – which has been declared an official bank holiday – is taking place on Monday 19 September. The service, held at Westminster Abbey, will begin at 11am with a final committal taking place in Windsor at 4pm.
Schools and other council services will be closed for the day as the country comes together to commemorate the life of the late Queen.
Official guidance from the government on the bank holiday arrangements says: “There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the national mourning period.”
It also added that there are no statutory rules regarding extra pay on bank holidays and discussions should be had between employers and their staff with regard to holidays, reclaiming leave and pay.
However, supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer, Lidl, Co-op and Asda have all confirmed they will be closing for the day. as a mark of respect and to allow colleagues to grieve in their own way.
Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s have all said that a limited number of smaller stores outlets on the route of the funeral may stay open to serve members of the public in attendance, although these branches will also be closed during the funeral service itself.
Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s have said that many of their smaller branches and petrol stations across the UK will be open from 5pm onwards.
Grocery deliveries have also been cancelled for the day, although a number of smaller convenience stores and petrol stations will be open for business.
Supermarkets and brands across grocery retail recently paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at Balmoral on the afternoon of Thursday 8 September 2022, aged 96.
