At risk Asda staff across Fife paid to stay at home

This includes staff who are either aged over 70 or pregnant, as well as the carers of extremely vulnerable people.

The firm says that while official guidance only recommends that vulnerable people must practice strict social distancing this is difficult to achieve for people working in its stores and depots.

Hayley Tatum, Asda’s Chief People Officer, said: “Protecting our customers and colleagues has always been our main priority throughout these uncertain times and we want to do everything we can to help keep them and their families safe.

“We don’t want any of our colleagues worrying about being paid if they need to self-isolate as a result of Coronavirus, which is why we’ve take the decision to pay them for the next 12 weeks.

“I am so incredibly proud of our colleagues and all of their hard work through this difficult time, as they continue to support our customers and their community.”

The supermarket giant has stores in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay.

Asda staff, who are said to be working around the clock to keep shelves stocked, are to receive a bonus week’s pay in June as thanks for their hard work.

Asda has announced several measures aimed at keeping customers and workers safe, including clear signage, directional barriers and floor markings to help customers move around stores easily while maintaining a two-metre distance.

Staff at the front of the store will greet customers and maintain what are estimated to be safe numbers inside.

Customers have been asked to touch only what they purchase, and to use cashless payment methods wherever possible.

The firm will be installing Perspex screens at its checkouts, pharmacies and service desks to help minimise contact, and is closing every other Scan and Go checkout to help maintain distance across its stores.