Plans for Her Majesty The Queen’s Funeral

Her Majesty The Queen

You’ll be aware that Monday the 19^th September has now been confirmed as a Bank Holiday, and that the plans have been announced for the State funeral of Her Majesty The Queen at 11am on that day.

We’d like to update you on the steps that we are taking to ensure that all of us as colleagues have time off to be able to watch the funeral in full – both the service, as well as the processions both before and after, and to join in this moment of national mourning and reflection of the life of Queen Elizabeth ll.

Given the confirmation of the Bank Holiday, our Travel, Childcare, Utilities, Healthcare, Mains Post Offices and support centres will not be open on that day, in line with other Bank Holidays. 

We have considered carefully how to balance the needs of our members and customers in the communities in which we trade as well as how to ensure Food colleagues can also have time off to watch and pay their respects. Those stores over 3,000 sq ft that normally on Sundays trade on restricted hours will be closed all day. The remaining food stores, including petrol stations will be open from 5pm until normal closing hours.

This will enable, as Phil stated in his blog on Friday, all colleagues to have the opportunity to watch the service and the historic events around that time, whilst continuing to serve our communities.

On Sunday 18^th September at 8pm, we will also be asking members, customers, and colleagues to join the rest of the country in a minute’s silence for the Queen for a shared national moment of reflection.

Operational management will communicate further details of the closure plans within the next 48 hours.

If you have any questions, please speak to your line manager for clarification.