SUPERMARKET giant Asda has revealed it will be providing full pay to vulnerable staff members who have been asked to take leave during the coronavirus pandemic.

Asda, which has implemented social distancing rules at all of its stores across the region, said it would grant full paid leave to those who needed to self-isolate for a minimum of three months.

It also revealed it would be paying every single colleague an extra weeks' worth of pay in June as a "thank you" for their continued hard work in coming weeks.

Under the enhanced scheme, colleagues identified as vulnerable including those over 70, pregnant or carers of extremely vulnerable people will not lose out despite not being able to work in store.

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. 

"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."

Asda stores have reduced their trading hours, including temporarily suspending 24 hour opening times, to allow staff to restock shelves left bare due to coronavirus.