It added: "Our first priority is to support our customers and colleagues." To do that, the firm said it would move staff from its clothing and homeware to food departments "wherever practical", as well as put all pay rises on ice. "We are preparing for the contingency that some stores may have to close temporarily," the firm said. "We have a strong Food business and can balance activity between our operations under the single M&S brand. M&S is a strongly cash generative business and has access to very substantial facilities and liquidity.

Source: Daily Mirror March 20, 2020 07:43 UTC