// Asda extends 12 weeks of full pay for isolated staff who are carers of the vulnerable
// Staff working in depots and stores where social distancing can be difficult also given full pay during isolation
// Asda has already implemented a raft of other measures to protect staff and customers
Asda has announced that it is extending its support for workers who are impacted by Covid-19 and needing to self-isolate by giving full pay to staff who are carers.
The Big 4 grocer has already committed to paying shop floor staff in isolation due to the coronavirus, and where workers have been identified as being part of a vulnerable group and need to self-isolate, they will receive full pay for the full 12 weeks.
Asda now confirmed it would extend its support to staff who are the carers of extremely vulnerable people.
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In addition, while official guidance only recommends vulnerable groups practice strict social distancing, Asda said it recognised the difficulties of adhering to these guidelines for colleagues working in its stores and depots.
In response, the grocery giant confirmed that it would provide them with 12 weeks’ pay to allow them to self-isolate and protect their health and that of their family during the coronavirus pandemic.
The news comes after Asda revealed several measures to help keep customers and staff safe through social distancing which includes clear signage, directional barriers and floor markings to help customers move around stores easily and maintain a two-metre distance.
“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,” Asda chief people officer Hayley Tatum said.
“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”.
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