DORSET social care workers are asking to be included in supermarkets’ priority shopping slots, recently reserved for the NHS.

Supermarkets across the country have introduced varying measures to make life simpler for NHS staff but in many cases these do not extend to social care workers.

Despite being in work uniform or presenting ID badges, several care workers have reported cases of being denied access during NHS priority slots.

Dorset-based care providers Agincare are calling for all social care workers to be recognised on a par with NHS staff during priority shopping times.

Raina Summerson, CEO of Agincare, said: “The current situation is confusing for our care teams. Being recognised by some supermarkets with NHS colleagues is great, but others aren’t extending incredibly brave care team members the same courtesy as NHS staff.

“All supermarkets should be treating NHS and social care teams equally. Without social care the NHS would be put under even more pressure than it is now. Courageous care teams are at the frontline in battling this disease, going above and beyond to care for vulnerable people. They need to be able to shop for clients and themselves quickly and easily. Their dedication deserves to be recognised.”

Care home manager, Karen Diesel was told at Tesco that the priority shopping slot was for NHS staff only, with the security guard telling her that even if there was a slot for care workers, it would not apply to her since she was the manager.

She explained: “When I asked what he meant by this, his reply was ‘Well, you would be safe sat in your office.’ If only he knew. I am really angry and disappointed in the whole system.”

Joanna Lane, who works in Agincare’s live-in care division, experienced similar friction outside Sainsbury’s.

“At the door I was questioned who I worked for. It took a while to convince the security guard that I worked for an organisation providing social care to vulnerable people, even when I showed him my ID badge. Eventually I was allowed in, but it was a really humiliating experience, and it left me feeling pretty worthless.”