Another major supermarket makes big change at checkouts – and shoppers are not happy

ANOTHER major supermarket has introduced electronic gates at self-checkout.

Morrisons is the latest supermarket chain to put up electronic barriers at self-checkout areas - and shoppers aren't impressed.

Sainsbury's began rolling out electronic gates in its self-checkout areas at some stores across the UK last year.

The security measure means shoppers have to scan the barcode on their receipt in order to exit the self-checkout area.

If they leave the shop empty-handed, they have to ask an assistant to let them out.

The unpopular feature was recently introduced into several Morrisons stores, the supermarket confirmed to The Sun.

A Morrisons spokesperson said: "Any customers who haven't made a purchase simply need to ask the Morrisons customer assistant manning the self-service tills to open the gate for them." 

They did not confirm whether the gates will be rolled out at further stores in future.

Shoppers hate the "pointless" barriers as one customer said: "I don't see what the barriers add, surely if you were going to steal from there you would buy a banana for 18p and put the steak in your pocket."

Some shoppers have pointed out the that the measures aren't exactly environmentally friendly, either.

One customer said: "All this time I have been rejecting receipts to help save the planet, and now they are forcing us to print them!"

Sainsbury's initially said the security feature was in place in a small number of stores.

But the gates have now been spotted across the UK including in Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Northampton, Staines, Winnersh and Balham.

Ikea and Costco all require you to scan your receipt so you can leave the shop.

Recently, Primark launched self-checkout tills at a number of stores too.

Doors in these areas don't open unless you have your receipt.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk