Sainsbury's apologised to customer Jo Clarke and offered her a £10 voucher, but many observers have said it should have backed its worker.

Those adding their voice to the debate include Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who said on his weekly Thursday radio phone-in that he had "sneaking sympathy" with the checkout worker, although he also understood why Sainsbury's had to apologise to its customer.

However, Sainsbury's is privately offering the worker involved its full support.

Despite the apology and the voucher from Sainsbury's, Ms Clarke has said she will be transferring her custom to a nearby branch of the rival supermarket Waitrose.

I support the supermarket workers stance on the above article, but what I find even more annoying is when the boot is on the other foot.

I generally try and support small local stores with my business, and have lost count of the number of times I have been 'served' by an assistant who is jabbering away on the phone (often in a foreign language it has to be said ) throughout the entire transaction.

What I find really offensive is when they have finished totalling up my bill, they point to the till displaying the price, and just hold their hand out for payment, all the while still chatting on their phone.

They have not acknowledged me in way shape or form as a living human being, let alone a paying customer. What I now do in these circumstances is leave the goods on the counter and walk away without giving them any of my hard earned money. I am polite enough to tell them exactly why though, not that they are listening or care.