M&S staff who continue to work during the coronavirus pandemic are getting a 15 per cent salary rise.

Those furloughed will receive full pay.

It comes after the company temporarily stopped its clothing and home store operations and shut outlet stores. Its food and online businesses remain open.

The retailer said the move was aimed at recognising the work employees are doing "to support their teams and the national effort to help customers access the products they need” as the outbreak tightens its grip.

M&S is the latest retail company to reward workers who are still working during the crisis.

Aldi, Sainsbury's and Tesco have already promised staff an extra 10%, while Asda will give its staff an extra week's pay in June, which works out as a 25% bonus for the month.

In a statement, the company said: "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.

"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."

M&S is also rolling out plastic face shields for staff.

Sacha Berendji, retail and operations director, told the Retail Gazette: “M&S fully supports the government’s efforts to protect our NHS and save lives.

“We are actively encouraging social distancing in our foodhalls, and have already introduced a number of measures to help colleagues stay healthy and enable customers to shop for the essentials they need with confidence – 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 hard working teams this week.”