ASDA staff are set to benefit from further pay support as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The supermarket has confirmed that in addition to providing full pay to colleagues who have been identified by the government as needing to self-isolate for 12 weeks, it will also offer fully paid leave to colleagues who are vulnerable such as those who are pregnant or over 70.

Staff who also care for extremely vulnerable people will also be entitled to full pay. In a statement, an ASDA spokesperson, said: “Whilst official guidance only recommends vulnerable groups practice strict social distancing, the supermarket has recognised the difficulties of adhering to these guidelines for colleagues working in its stores and depots.

“In response, Asda has confirmed that it will provide them with 12 weeks’ pay to allow them to selfisolate and protect their health and that of their family during coronavirus.”

The supermarket also recently announced a series of measures to protect staff and customers in store including markers on the floor to help customers keep their distance and limiting the number of customers allowed in at any one time.

In addition, Perspex screens have been installed at checkouts, pharmacies and service desks to help minimise contact and every other self-checkout has been closed to help maintain distance with customers advised to use cashless payments where possible.

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.”

She added: “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.”