FROM Tuesday (March 17) Woolworths will be opening an hour earlier for seniors and people with disability. 

The move to open from 7am to 8am has been prompted by the unprecedented demand in supermarkets over the past week, which has seen many elderly and vulnerable people in the community missing out on vital items they may need when they shop.

Access to the Woolworths prior to 8am will require a relevant government issued concession card.

The revised opening hours are in place until Friday (March 20), with Woolworths to review opening arrangements later in the week.

Woolworths managing director Claire Peters said: “While we’ll continue to do our very best to restock our stores during this period of unprecedented demand, we know many of our elderly customers have been missing out on essential items when they shop.

“This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before ?our stores officially open – helping them obtain the ?essential ?items they need most in a less crowded environment,” she said.

“We continue to encourage all Australians to be mindful of those in our communities who might need extra help at this time. Now – more than ever – we need to be kind to each other, especially to those most vulnerable.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused by the revised opening hours.”

Full terms and conditions available on the woolworths.com.au website later today.