Home Bargains creates £30m coronavirus fund to help pay staff and gives vulnerable customers early access to stores
HOME Bargains has created a £30million fund to help pay staff who need to self isolate due to the coronavirus.
This will include staff that need to self isolate for up to two weeks as well as those in high risk groups that need to isolate for longer periods.
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If staff don't need to self isolate between now and December and can work, they will still be paid two weeks’ extra salary so they don't miss out financially, it said.
If you're a Home Bargains worker, you should visit The Staff Portal for more information.
The bargain shop is now also urging non-vulnerable customers not to shop during the first hour of opening each day to give more space for those who are at risk.
A spokesperson said it won't turn customers away if they come early as not all medical issues are visible, but it's asking shoppers to be respectful of the rules.
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It follows similar moves by supermarkets including Iceland and Lidl, which open their doors earlier to help elderly customers during the coronavirus outbreak.
Home Bargains typically opens its shop doors at 8am every day, but it can vary depending on location so it's best to double-check this in advance.
The retailer is also limiting bulk buying to toilet rolls and hand sanitiser to two items per customer.
Although, some stores may also limit other items depending on availability, it told The Sun.
Home Bargains wrote on Twitter: "Our dedicated staff are working around the clock to keep all of our stores open, so we can continue to serve our communities.
"We have a robust supply chain in place and will continue to support the country whatever it takes.
"Thank you everyone for all your support and patience. We will get through this together."
Home Bargains has more than 500 stores across the UK. You can find your nearest one using .
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The announcement comes after Home Bargains shoppers fought over loo roll and panic bought booze a couple of days ago.
The stock-piling has led supermarkets to introduce widespread rationing for the first time since World War Two.
Toilet roll supplies have been ransacked as worried shoppers stock-up to self-isolate, but here’s where you might be able to get your hands on it.