NHS employees can now take advantage of a deal from AO.com which allows them to get products they order via safe shopping online shipped to their doorsteps free of charge and also enables them to choose exactly when these deliveries occur.

Free delivery is not a unique asset in its own right, but it is certainly useful for those who are working on the frontline in the battle against the current pandemic to be able to pick a delivery slot, since it means that there is no need for them to worry about packages arriving while they are out of the house at work.

Internet Retailing reports that this offer from the consumer electronics e-commerce site will be available in conjunction with a 10 per cent discount that is applied at checkout to any customers who have an email address associated with the NHS.

Spokesperson David Lawson explained that this offer was a small way for AO.com to demonstrate how grateful it was for the efforts of those who are helping to treat victims of coronavirus in hospitals across the country.

A wide range of products is eligible for free timed delivery as part of this scheme, including everything from small appliances and AV equipment right up to fridges, washing machines and other hefty white goods.

Priority retail opportunities have been opened up to NHS workers across a range of retail platforms in the past few weeks, not only in terms of their online shopping options but also in the bricks and mortar market.

It will be interesting to see whether any retailers decide to extend their NHS-related offers and policies to other front-line workers who are continuing to head out to fulfil their essential roles during this time of ongoing national crisis.