THE boss of Greggs has confirmed staff would not lose on pay if they had to self-isolate because of a possible spread of coronavirus.
The comments came as the Newcastle-based chain, which has around 1,650 shops in the UK, reported February sales had been much lower because of extremely bad weather.
Last night, Greggs' chief executive Roger Whiteside said that the bakery chain would pay staff who were unable to come to work because of Covid-19.
Speaking to the BBC's Today Programme, he said: "Our default position is that we pay contract hours. We don't have any zero contract hours."
Mr Whiteside said that although they will only pay employees the legal minimum, Greggs' policy would be reviewed if Covid-19 became what he described a "big problem."
Greggs' promise to pay staff even if they don't turn in for work will mean £94.25 per week will be paid in statutory sick pay.
How many cases so far?
So far across the UK there are 53 confirmed cases of Covid-19, prompting the government renew an information campaign on how to effectively wash your hands.
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