Annual bonus brought forward for Northampton Co-op staff as plastic screens installed at tills

Co-op employees in Northampton are getting their annual bonus early as a 'thank you' for their hard work during the coronavirus crisis

Central England Co-op has brought forward its annual share of profits and increased its colleague discount to thank those who have gone above and beyond at this time.

The Midlands and East of England retailer is also planning to install plastic screens at all till points and bread from in-store bakeries will no longer be unwrapped.

Central England Co-op chief executive Debbie Robinson said: “Our colleagues and key workers are doing everything they can to ensure our communities continue to be supported during this uncertain time.

“In the spirit of co-operation, we wanted to say thank you by giving them a little something to showcase our gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

“We also wanted to say welcome to all of our new colleagues who have joined in the past few days. Thank you and good luck in your new roles.

“If you’re able to say thank you to our colleagues and to key workers when you see them, we are sure they would really appreciate the support at this time.

"Please be kind and respectful to everyone around you.”

Central England Co-op has reduced its opening hours to allow stores to be cleaned and shelves replenished with food and essentials as well as ensuring staff get more time with their families.

The retailer has also had an unprecedented response to its recruitment drive with 500 new staff and others redeployed from other parts of the businesses.

To help those whose lives have been affected by coronavirus, the Co-op has launched an urgent food bank appeal after a major fall in donations at the same time as a spike in demand

Plus donations have been made to FareShare Midlands and Dementia UK.

In its food stores, the Co-op also has in place a temporary limit of two of every product to help maintain stock levels but has reassured customers that there are no issues with its supply lines and that shops are getting daily deliveries.