// Asda confirms that any staff in isolation due to coronavirus will be paid in full
// Grocer will also pay suppliers immediately to help with their cashflow during the pandemic
// Small business tenants that operate concessions in Asda stores will be given 3-month rent holiday
Asda has said workers in isolation due to coronavirus will still be paid in full, and suppliers will be paid immediately while concession operators will be given a rent-free quarter.
The Big 4 retailer revealed a package of measures it is implementing to help support its staff and other workers whose jobs have been impacted by the pandemic.
Chief executive Roger Burnley praised the “incredible efforts” of retail and distribution workers and announced they would receive full pay if they need to isolate.
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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.
“I could not be any more grateful for the efforts each and every one of my colleagues is going to right now to support and serve the people of the UK and the last thing I want any of them worrying about is being paid if they need to self-isolate as a result of coronavirus,” Burnley said.
Asda said it had also started working with a number of national companies to offer temporary jobs to people, in view of the “significant demands” being placed on supermarkets.
The grocer’s employees are also being encouraged to invite friends and family whose work has been impacted by the coronavirus crisis to get in touch with their local Asda store about job opportunities.
Asda also announced it would be paying its small suppliers immediately to help them keep their business operating.
In addition, it will provide a rent-free quarter to around 250 small business tenants that operate concessions across its stores.
“Never in my 30 years in retail have I ever felt so keenly the role played by supermarkets in our communities,” Burnley said.
“The way our colleagues are working to support the nation is incredible and I want to support them and those closest to them who are experiencing the other end of this crisis and need work.
“Where we can provide opportunities for employment, even short term, to help people through this period, we want to play our part, and where we are able to reduce the strain on our smaller suppliers and tenants, we will do so.”
with PA Wires
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