Sainsbury's and Tesco restore some services after both supermarkets hit with major outages on the same day

16 March 2024, 13:31 | Updated: 16 March 2024, 17:49

Sainsbury's and Tesco have both reported technical issues.
Sainsbury's and Tesco have both reported technical issues. Picture: Alamy

By Jenny Medlicott

Sainsbury's has restored some online services after the supermarket and competitor Tesco both suffered major outages on Saturday.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Tesco says it has had to cancel online orders due to a 'technical issue' just hours after Sainsbury's said it could not fulfil the 'majority' of delivers because of a software error.

A spokesman for Tesco said: "We are working to fix a technical issue which has meant we have had to cancel some online orders that were due for delivery today. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.”

It comes after Sainsbury's apologised earlier today following a technical issue due to "an error with an overnight software update".

A later update from the supermarket confirmed that contactless payment and online grocery shopping had been restored at Sainsbury's.

A statement posted to X by the supermarket read: "We are currently experiencing a technical issue affecting some stores, our Groceries Online service and our ability to contact customers directly.

"Unfortunately, we will not be able to fulfil the vast majority of today's Groceries Online deliveries. We are working hard to fix the issue and apologise to our customers for the inconvenience.

Read more: McDonald's restaurants around the world unable to serve food after major system outage

Read more: Carmageddon: M25 shuts as traffic chaos looms and locals stockpile food for first-ever daylight closures

Sainsbury's said it had to cancer the vast majority of online deliveries.
Sainsbury's said it had to cancer the vast majority of online deliveries. Picture: Alamy

"We will contact customers proactively to rebook orders as soon as we can."

The supermarket assured customers that their data is still "safe and secure even with the issues going on".

It also advised those affected to rebook their delivery from Monday onwards.

Customers have also reported being unable to make contactless payments in stores with some stores and only being able to make chip and pin or cash payments.

Sainsbury's stores are experiencing issues with contactless payments.
Sainsbury's stores are experiencing issues with contactless payments. Picture: Alamy
The supermarket said the vast majority of online deliveries today will be affected.
The supermarket said the vast majority of online deliveries today will be affected. Picture: Alamy

It comes after fast-food chain McDonald’s was hit by a major system outage on Friday which saw restaurants around the world affected.

Customers in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Canada all complained about not being able to order.

A McDonald's UK spokeswoman said: "We are aware of a technology outage which impacted our restaurants.

"The issue has now been resolved in the UK and Ireland.

"We thank customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

"The issue is not related to a cybersecurity event."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Birthday cakes, sweets and other goods high in sugar, will be banned in Scottish nurseries from this summer.

SNP slammed for making Scotland a ‘joyless place’ as birthday cakes and sweets to be banned in nurseries

Father, 77, jailed after forcing his three children to eat pet rabbit during 'sadistic' reign of abuse spanning 15 years

Father, 77, jailed after forcing his three children to eat pet rabbit during 'sadistic' reign of abuse spanning 15 years

The comet could be seen in parts of the UK tonight (FILE)

How to see the once-in-a-lifetime comet that could be visible for the first time in 160,000 years tonight

California Wildfires

Los Angeles wildfire deaths rise to 24 as more fierce winds are forecast

Abusive ex-boyfriend cleared of manslaughter after partner blamed him for her death in suicide note

Abusive ex-boyfriend cleared of manslaughter after partner blamed him for her death in suicide note

Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani (Leonardo Bianchi/LaPresse via AP)

Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani, famed for Benetton adverts, dies aged 82

The pound has dropped to its lowest value against the dollar since November 2023

Britain faces fresh economy blow as pound plunges and Treasury calls for 'ruthless spending cuts'

Russia Ukraine War

Russian forces bypass key Ukraine stronghold in bid to cut off its supplies

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that she is ending her marriage to Peter Murrell

Nicola Sturgeon ends marriage to former SNP boss Peter Murrell

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appears to be close

'Progress' made in Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal after Trump warned 'all hell will break loose' if hostages were not freed

Many young people are too anxious to change a lightbulb because of the dangers of ladders

Young people paying professionals to do basic tasks like changing lightbulbs - as 'going up a ladder is too risky'

Two members of Just Stop Oil spray Charles Darwin's grave

Eco activists Just Stop Oil deface Charles Darwin’s grave in Westminster Abbey in latest fossil fuel protest

Tributes have been paid to Taylor Lupton, who died in the crash

Tributes paid to ‘amazing’ dad, 18, who died when car veered off road and ploughed into sewage pit

Daniel Khalife's escape led to a nationwide manhunt.

Second man charged with helping former soldier Daniel Khalife after he escaped prison

Riley is described as white, around 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build and with short, dark brown hair.

Police launch urgent appeal for missing 12-year-old boy who failed to return from school last week

Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg on stage with backdrop of faces

Meta axes diversity and inclusion programme