Supermarket staff trained to spy on customers

Workers are being taught how to spot people who look after elderly, sick and disabled relatives by the contents of their shopping baskets, so they can be advised about support they are entitled to.

Cashiers are being trained to discretely ask customers about their personal circumstances while serving them.

They can then put those requiring help in touch with charities that can provide information on financial and practical assistance and respite care.

The Department of Health claims the scheme will improve unpaid carers’ access to support which they might not realise is available to them.