Fast food giant McDonald's is set to axe one of its most popular features on March 31. Shoppers across the country have been issued a three-week warning before they're no longer able to access the feature, and are being urged to use it while they can.
From March 31, all NHS staff will no longer be given 20% off their food. It's a major blow for those struggling to make ends meet during the cost of living crisis.
The discount had been set to be axed at the end of 2022. However, McDonald's increased the length of time it was available to people.
McDonalds began the offer in July 2021. It said it was thanking anyone working in emergency services, including the NHS, police, fire, social care sector and armed forces with a 20% discount for NHS staff to use when purchasing food through the McDonalds app.
However, the discount will end this month on March 31. Steve Bater, spokesman at NHS Money Saving blog NHS Discount Offers, said: "We've had a good run with this deal but its a real shame that the McDonalds discount is set to end on March 31 so time is really ticking for NHS staff to get their 20% off their favourite meals."
He added: "The McDonalds 20% discount has been one of the most popular food discounts for NHS staff to take advantage of in the last year or so and its been a great way for NHS staff to save on their McDonalds takeaways.
"The cost of living crisis continues and every little helps as we look to save money wherever we can. It's really appreciated that McDonalds have been helping NHS staff save. Its been a really kind gesture from the fast food giant and we appreciate them continuing to run the discount for staff until the end of this month."
How NHS staff can get 20% off at McDonalds, according to the ECHO:
- Simply Sign up to the Mcdonalds app with your NHS email address.
- Wait approx 48 hours for the offer to appear in the deals section of the app.
- Use the deal when required.
- You can only use the deal one day a week (refreshes every Monday)
The McDonald's offer has had a mixed response on social media. While some people welcome the discount for NHS workers, others are annoyed it's not for everyone.
Leanne Louise said: "What about everyone that worked through pandemic & were at risk. Education staff maybe?" Sarah-Jane Jones asked: "What about social care staff?"
Emma Clark pointed out: "Always for the nhs isn’t it not other care sector staff." Caroline Williams fumed: "As a bank worker i am not entitled to an nhs email address so as usual we miss out."
Bernadette Fothergill said: "I’m a carer but can’t get a blue light card." Plenty of other shoppers welcomed the offer, and are keen to make the most of it before it's no longer available.
The Manchester Evening News has contacted McDonald's to ask if there are plans to replace or renew the scheme.
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