Tesco worker shares 11 things staff want to tell you but aren’t allowed

Supermarket staff kers work round the clock to ensure we can buy all the delicious treats and necessities we need.

But as well as filling the shelves, operating the tills and serving up fresh items at the speciality counters, the principal part of the role is handling customers.

While we would like to hope everyone is courteous, kind and understanding all the time – we imagine this probably isn’t the reality.

In fact, according to one former employee people can be downright discourteous.

Having spent many years working in a Tesco store, the member of staff has revealed the things they would love to say to shoppers – but they’re not allowed.

Some are amusing and interesting, but others are genuinely eye-opening.

1. I know it’s three minutes until we open, but I can’t unlock the doors just because you’re standing there

You’re early, that’s great. But unfortunately when we open at 7am, that means 7am.

I’m sorry if it’s raining, or you’re cold. But looking at me with a face like thunder isn’t going to speed this process up.

2. Huffing and puffing in the queue won’t make me go any quicker on the checkouts

I’m not deliberately going slow – it’s just busy in here.

3. We dread asking for someone’s ID – and then finding out they’re 30 anyway

Feel flattered I’m asking you to prove you’re old enough to buy that bottle of vodka, because I’m not doing it for fun.

4. The Tesco fleeces are so incredibly comfortable. They aren’t the most flattering garments to don, but they’re incredibly toasty during those frigid winter months.

5. The exasperation of shoppers crowding around you as you reduce a pack of mince by 30p

Those yellow stickers are emerging, and it’s as though customers can detect them from miles away.

6. The monotonous challenge you face attempting to cram another box of dolly mix onto the shelf so you can finally remove it from the cage

We’re all aware those enormous cages can prove awkward, but extracting the products from them is the genuine challenge.

7. My lunch isn’t a complimentary Tesco meal deal, let me assure you

Heading on lunch and discovering yourself a few quid short so you settle for that Tesco Everyday Value thick sliced bread that your managers kindly left in the staff room.

8. That exhalation you release when a customer begs you to reduce the price by a few pennies

The final box of 10 pack fish fingers has been opened – it’s likely just damaged packaging but hey, I’ll deduct 10 per cent to circumvent the fuss.

9. The carrier bag charge is absolutely not my fault

Rolling your eyes when a customer blames Tesco for the 5p plastic bag charge – I’m entirely supportive of protecting the planet, but don’t take it out on the messenger.

10. Recognising loyal customers’ patterns

That’s correct, Barbara. I notice you completing the weekly shop at 7pm every Wednesday.

I spotted you last week, and the week before that, and the week before that…

11. I despise the self service tills more than you

Furthermore, impatiently waving your item in front of the scanner isn’t going to make my job any simpler.

I have the authority to unlock these machines, and the red light flashing above you has already alerted me that you need my help.