Lloyd retires from Asda Gloucester aged 90 as one of the oldest supermarket workers in the UK

A very happy retirement to 90-year-old porter Lloyd Jones – one of the oldest workers at Asda and one of the UK's oldest supermarket employees – who's worked at Asda Gloucester since the day it opened 43 years ago.

Lloyd joined Asda on the 18th November 1982, just days before the grand opening, and has been part of the fabric of the store ever since.

He said: "It takes a lot of getting used to, but there comes a time when you think you're ready and at my age and after 43 years that's where I am. I never imagined I'd have worked there for so long, but I've really enjoyed my time at Asda. The best thing about it was working with some wonderful people and talking to customers. I will miss them."

Lloyd plans to enjoying his garden, having days out, and spending more time with his son Stephen and daughter in law Gail.

Debbie Hancock has worked alongside Lloyd throughout his time with Asda – starting on the same day as him.

She said: "Everyone knows and loves Lloyd. We'd all always have a chat with him, as he's a really friendly chap and easy to talk to. It's amazing that he's worked until the age of 90.

"It was the people who kept him going. He lost his wife Jill last year and loved to come to work for the social side of things and to have a chat with staff and customers.

"Lots of customers knew him and would look out for him. When you think of Asda Gloucester you think of Lloyd.”

Asda Gloucester community champion Fay Palmer-Edwards has worked alongside Lloyd for 18 years and says he will be missed by everyone.

She said: "He is like a Grampy everyone needs. Whenever I see him it will always involve a tight hug from him!

"Lloyd was here ready for the opening of the store to greet our customers. Many of those customers' children were toddlers and now they are bringing in their own children or even grandchildren.

"Lloyd started as a porter looking after our car park and collecting trolleys in all winds and weather and never once wanted to do anything else as he enjoyed what he did and ended his time with Asda doing the same."

"It was a very emotional day when he finished his last shift. I walked him to his car with his manager Claire, he gave me a huge hug and we shed a few tears. I will be staying in touch and have promised to pop to see him and of course bring cake!

"You will be missed by everyone you have worked with over the years Lloyd. Thank you from all your friends, colleagues and customers at Asda."

Asda Gloucester operations manager Chris Keene said: "Lloyd's an absolute legend and such an inspiration. He was always polite, always smiling and very good with customers. I keep getting customers noticing he's not here and coming up to me asking 'Where's Lloyd today?' I'm so glad he's getting a rest, but we will miss him."

Lloyd made headlines in 2023 when Asda posted on Facebook about how much he loved his job as a porter at the age of 86 – his story was featured by news organisations including BBC News and ITV News.

Lloyd said at the time: "I like to look after our customers and make sure that the car park is all stocked up with trolleys and is tidy and a clean place to go into.

"I see the same customers each week and I know quite a few of them after working here so long. I like to have a chat with them when I can and if anyone of them ever needs any help all they have to do is come over and give me a shout. I like to help whenever I can.

"When the store opened I needed a job and I was taken permanently taken on about a month later. I remember the day it opened. There was some traffic queues as people were keen to get in here."