Tesco introduces big change for shoppers paying at self-service checkouts from this week

Tesco is introducing a change to its self-service checkouts from this week, with shoppers to be asked an extra question before making a payment.

From 12 September, customers will be asked if they would like to round up the total cost of their shop to the nearest pound before paying.

The move is part of the supermarket’s plans to use the extra cash to support an in-store fundraising campaign for three of the UK’s leading health charities, which include Cancer Research, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK.

The campaign aims to increase awareness about the importance of making sustainable lifestyle changes to help people lower the impact of life-threatening conditions, including cancer, heart and circulatory diseases, and diabetes.

Oonagh Turnbull, head of health campaigns at Tesco, said: “The funds raised will continue to support the health of UK communities at such a critical time.

“Our health charity partners rely on donations to continue their awareness, prevention and research work.”

How long will the scheme run? 

The scheme will run from Monday 12 September until Sunday 2 October 2022 and will give customers the chance to make a donation to charity.

The change means that if a shop cost £10.80, for example, you would be asked if you wanted to pay £11, with the extra 20p going to charity.

Shoppers will then be able to choose if they want to opt-in or not by selecting an option on the screen.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who supports the important work we all do through this campaign, and we’re grateful for the generosity of shoppers up and down the country.

“Campaigns like ‘Helping you to live healthier’ are a great way to raise money and to encourage people to make healthier choices that lead to healthier lifestyles.

“Every penny raised matters. We don’t take a single donation for granted.”