M&S gives its employees a 15% ‘hard work’ pandemic bonus

M&S is reportedly giving employees working in its stores or supply chain a 15% bonus for their “hard work” during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The retailer said it would also be paying staff who have been furloughed in full during the time they are off.

“Frontline colleagues across stores and supply chain who continue to work will receive an additional 15% 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,” M&S said in a statement.

It added: “Frontline colleagues who have caring commitments or who are feeling more vulnerable are able to step away at this time. Any colleague who is furloughed for the coming weeks will do so on full pay.”

Last week M&S suspended its outlet stores which only sell clothing and homeware. It has also closed its instore cafes and opticians.

The company is “actively encouraging” social distancing in its foodhalls and has reportedly introduced a number of measures in its stores such as floor markings and “sneeze guards” at tills.

M&S retail director Sacha Berendji said: “We are encouraging social distancing in our foodhalls and have already introduced measures to help colleagues stay healthy and enable customers to shop for the essentials – 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 teams this week.”