MARKS & Spencer has announced it is giving frontline staff a 15 per cent bonus as thank you for their work during the coronavirus crisis.

In an announcement by the retail chain, M&S said frontline workers across stores and the supply chain who continue to work will receive an additional 15 per cent pay reward "in recognition of the work they are doing to support their teams and the national effort to help customers access the products they need during these unprecedented times".

What else have M&S said to staff?

The details to staff included:

  • Furloughed staff will receive full pay, furloughing will be offered on a voluntary basis for anyone who has caring commitments or feels vulnerable to Covid-19.
  • Any worker who needs to self-isolate between seven and 14 days will be able to do so with full pay
  • Staff who are pregnant, aged 70 or older, or with the health conditions specified by the UK Government's Department of Health, are already on leave for 12 weeks on full pay.

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The move comes days after M&S suspended their clothing and home store departments last week, with outlet stores closing.

South Wales Argus: MARKS AND SPENCER: Inside an M&S Foodhall. Picture: Marks and SpencerMARKS AND SPENCER: Inside an M&S Foodhall. Picture: Marks and Spencer

M&S statement

A statement read: "Our foodhalls and online businesses remain open so we can continue to deliver for customers.

"This means, for the moment, we have more colleagues than we need to operate our larger shops and outlet stores.

"We have now confirmed how we will continue to support and reward colleagues."

What are M&S doing to keep customers and staff safe in store?

The retailler added tgar UK-manufactured plastic face shields are being rolled out later this week. 

Plus, plastic 'Covid-19 screens' - similar to those at other supermarkets including Aldi and Tesco - are being installed at checkouts across all UK stores.

'Social distancing in M&S Foodhalls'

Sacha Berendji, M&S’s retail and operations director, said: "M&S fully supports the Government’s efforts to protect our NHS and save lives.

"We are actively encouraging social distancing in our foodhalls, and have already introduced a number of measures to help colleagues stay healthy and enable customers to shop for the essentials they need with confidence – from floor markings to the introduction of sneeze guards at till points.

"The latest measure is the introduction of reusable face shields, which will be distributed to our hard working teams this week.”