In an unusual move by a US national retailer, Kmart has launched a discount programme for unemployed people. The plan applies to Michigan, which has the highest unemployment rate of any US state – 14.1 per cent in May, compared with a national average of 9.4 per cent. The Detroit metropolitan area has the highest unemployment rate of any US city, at 14.9 per cent.

Kmart says it will issue people who are registered as unemployed in the state a “Smart Assist Savings” card, valid for six months, entitling them to 20 per cent reductions on Kmart’s private label goods, including toilet paper, baby products, cleaners and some basic groceries.