Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has accused supermarkets of not enforcing the use of face coverings.

While giving evidence to the Lords economic affairs committee on Tuesday, Mr Burnham named supermarket giant Tesco as failing to implement face covering rules.

Andy Burnham also revealed that local leaders were unable to get greater powers to temporarily close stores who were not clamping down on those flouting the rules.

His remarks come after the mayor resisted the Tier 3 restrictions which were imposed on the city-region last week.

He suggested that local powers to temporarily close venues would be more effective than widespread restrictions.

The mayor said: “I’m not just talking about pubs and restaurants. There are large supermarkets in Greater Manchester who in my view have not properly implemented the requirements around face coverings.”

“And I’ll name one chain: Tesco.

“I don’t believe they’ve taken a responsible attitude to this issue. They’ve said it’s not for them to enforce. Well, I do think it is for those organisations to enforce.”

He added that local leaders had called for "summary closure powers" for firms who were not following covid safety rules.

The Labour mayor said the local enforcement powers to temporarily close venues failing to adhere to the Covid-19 rules would be a better approach than “blanket restrictions”.

The criticism comes after Tesco was forced to apologise for wrongly suggesting sanitary products were “non-essential” and therefore could not be sold under new restrictions in Wales.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson eventually imposed the toughest coronavirus restrictions on Greater Manchester after the row with Mr Burnham and other local politicians, including Tories.

Under the Tier 3 measures for English areas, pubs and bars that do not serve substantial meals have been ordered to close and household mixing is banned indoors.

Across the UK, masks are compulsory on public transport and in shops and failure to wear them can result in fines.

Guidance from the Westminster Government states that premises “should take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law” but enforcement powers lie with the police.

According to government advice, face coverings should be worn when in an indoor setting, which includes public transport, shops and supermarkets and shopping centres.

The face covering can be reusable or single use and must cover the nose and the mouth.

Scarves, bandanas and religious garments can also be used as a covering.

Those exempt from wearing a mask include children under 11 and those with certain health conditions.