// Aldi sets up plastic screens at 7000 checkouts to protect staff from coronavirus

// The stores will also have floor markers to ensure customers stand 6ft away from eachother

// Aldi has enhanced staff salary by 10% during this time

Aldi has announced new measurements to protect colleagues and customers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The German discounter has installed clear plastic screens and floor markers at over 7000 checkouts to ensure customers are aware of the strict security measures.

The news comes after rival Lidl announced plans to install cough and sneeze-proof checkout protection screens from today.

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Aldi has also announced enhanced pay for its colleagues.

Store and distribution colleagues received a 10 per cent bonus on hours worked, effective from March 9.

In a bid to support smaller suppliers, Aldi said it will reduce payment terms so that any supplier with a turnover of less than £1 million will now be paid immediately. This will benefit over 1000 Aldi suppliers.

Moreover, the grocer is encouraging customers to pay using contactless rather than cash to minimise the risk of transmission.

There will be a range of in-store notices reminding customers of the need for effective social distancing in store.

Aldi has also reduced opening hours to help colleagues to re-stock products while stores are empty.

Last week, the discounter put 9000 jobs on offer in total to help during the coronavirus crisis – 5000 of which are new temporary jobs alongside 4000 permanent vacancies.

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