In a first for the UK, Iceland has announced plans to introduce a special in-store discount for over-60s.
At the start of the pandemic, the supermarket led the way with its ‘Elderly Hour’ exclusive shopping periods. Iceland also offered £30 vouchers to those receiving state pension as part of a regional trial last Christmas.
Now, it's introduced a new 10% off discount for over-60s - acting in response to the spiraling cost of living crisis currently gripping the UK.
Available to use from Tuesday 24 May, there is no minimum spend required to get the saving. Rather, the only thing over-60s will have to do to receive their discount is show proof of age to their cashier if requested, reports The Manc.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The 10% discount can be used both at Iceland and The Food Warehouse, which is part of the Iceland Foods Group.
Age UK recently revealed that three-quarters of older people in the UK (9.4 million) are worried about the rising cost of living.
In response, Iceland is launching the discount across its stores and The Food Warehouse stores in the hope that it will help the older generation cut down their weekly food bill.
The ten percent discount will be available to those over sixty every Tuesday and will apply across all products that include a range of great value meal essentials.
From fresh meats such as roast pork, rump steak, andgammon joint to £1 value frozen veg, Iceland is doing what it can to help the older generation keep costs down across its product ranges.
This also includes everyday essentials, such as Typhoo teabags, Nescafe instant coffee, biscuits and whole milk.
Image: Iceland
Also available is an array of Iceland ready meals that can be cooked straight from frozen, like chicken curry with rice, cottage pie,and vegetable lasagne.
The 10% discounts will be available in-store only and to receive the over 60s discount, shoppers simply need to show proof of age at the checkout, which could be a driving license, senior bus pass, senior railcard, or ‘Freedom Pass’.
Iceland also provides a free same-day delivery service for shoppers who spend a minimum of £20 in-store, allowing customers to pick up all their fresh and frozen favourites then choose their preferred delivery time.
Iceland will then keep their shopping chilled or frozen until it’s time to deliver it later that day.
Speaking on the new discount, Richard Walker, Managing Director at Iceland, said: “We have a long history of supporting our over 60s customers, such as when we launched ‘Elderly Hour’ at the height of the pandemic.
“The cost of living crisis has made support for these customers even more important, which is why I’m proud that we’re finding new ways to support them, including the launch of this discount. We hope it will help all those in this age category to cut costs where they can.”
Iceland is the first UK chain to make changes for shoppers based on age.
The 10% discount is the latest in a series of measures the supermarket has rolled out to help elderly customers.
The Government will unveil a fundamental change to the education system today with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes.
Andy Burnham says he is 'determined' to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path to ensure there are no so-called 'dead ends' for young people coming out of the education system by providing them high-quality alternative routes that are valued and respected by students, parents, and employers alike.
The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with 'valuable' early access to technical skills, work experience, and connections with local employers.
Building on successful local initiatives - such as the MBacc, launched by Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester when he was Mayor - the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare, and digital technology.
It will aim to 'skill them up' with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need.
The Government has announced 'fundamental' changes to the UK's education system / Credit: MChe Lee (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons
So, how will it all work then? Well, when students enter Year 10, they will have the chance to combine core academic subjects - including English, Maths, and Science - with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to the jobs available in their area.
During these courses, students will be able to spend time with employers and gain valuable real-world experience.
Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges, and employers will work together to shape these new technical education pathways, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system.
To support this, the Government says it will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work, and will also change the way school performance is measured so that inspectors recognise the schools support young people to develop the skills, experience, and confidence employers want.
This way, no matter whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education, or direct entry into a skilled profession, they will able to see a clear route from education into employment.
"For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected," explained Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
"The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
"I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life.
"From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap."
Featured Image - MChe Lee (via Unsplash)
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