Shoppers have been left divided after a Tesco customer called for more till staff instead of having to use self-service machines. Pat McCarthy, 69, said the self-service machines at the supermarket were "inaccessible" and making her "shopping experience physically difficult and overwhelming", reported the BBC.
She claimed the machines were not accessible for an alarming number of people and launched a nationwide petition calling on more till staff to help people with physical difficulties do their shopping. The petition has amassed more than 100,000 signatures.
Pat, from Brentford, volunteers helping disabled people apply for personal independence payment (PIP) forms and is a trustee of a local disability network. She argued on her Change.org page that "there's all sorts of people affected by the change over to self-service-card-only tills" and that many people enjoy speaking to a person while doing their shopping.
Read more: Woman calls for more till staff in Tesco after struggling to use self-service checkouts
Pat's comments prompted a fierce debate on the WalesOnline Facebook page with hundreds of people commenting on the story to give their thoughts on the issue. And it clearly left readers divided, with many sharing Pat's views and others praising the introduction of more self-service checkouts.
Sandra Phelps said she felt self-service affected jobs and created difficulties for older people doing their shopping. "Not only does it take people's jobs, I can see how it affects some people in the communities especially older people whom aren’t used to all the modern tech. The only time that some people get interaction with others is during the checkout service [is] when wanting to be served and when being served. Also people whom have some disability may find it hard to use – an example being someone who is hard of hearing."
Others agreed with Lesley Crew saying: "Self-service checkouts add nothing to the economy. Only line the pockets of shop owners with more profit. You should never use them, people's jobs are far more important!"
Yola Wilson said many enjoyed interacting with checkout staff, especially if they don't leave the house often. She said: "Going to a checkout and chatting with the lady or man on the till is a big part of the shopping experience. Connecting with each other and not machines is very important and adds to the human wellbeing."
Some people were less sympathetic, however, and said self-service was simply a move forward that people needed to get used to. Christian Morris said: "Some of these comments make me laugh. There's a record number of job vacancies in the economy, so you don't need to boycott technology to save jobs. It's not like these machines manufacture themselves, repair themselves, empty themselves."
Julie Louise Easby said she sometimes found self-service easier despite having a disability. She said: "As a disabled person I find the scan and shop so much easier but I have also used the self-service checkout when I have been with my carer or one of my children.
"I get that it may be taking a job from someone but for me personally I find it easier on myself as I'm not being rushed to pack my items and can go at own pace – it's a case of what works for you. As for people saying you need a credit/bank card to use self checkout – no you do not. I have used cash many times. While it might not benefit everyone some people prefer it."
Neil Maidman said: "These have been around for years. Literally 10 years plus. Any jobs were redeployed years back. Anybody remember when you couldn’t do self-service in the petrol station?"
Others said they preferred the scan and go option and said they'd often found staff available to help if there were any issues with customers using self-service. Nai Harrison said: "Scan as you go is easy to use and saves time. There are also staff on the self-serve that will assist you with putting your shopping through, or at least they should if you ask.
"I've worked the self-serve machines and I'm always happy to scan the shopping through for customers that aren't comfortable using them, same as the staff will pack shopping for those that are unable or are struggling. Staff are there to help, just ask!"
