The A.S. Watson Group has announced a support package of £40m to help staff working in its UK retail businesses – Superdrug, Savers and The Perfume Shop – battle through the coronavirus crisis.
The package includes full pay for parents who are unable to work remotely or in another business situation, due to school closures. Full pay will also be given to anyone unable to work due to sickness or self-isolation, including vulnerable members of staff.
Malina Ngai, A.S. Watson’s COO and CEO Asia & Europe, said: “With over 18,000 employees serving in 1,550 stores across the three retail brands, the support package is developed based on the principle that no member of staff should be worse off financially because of the crisis.
“In this challenging time, our top priority is to look after our people and our customers. Our brands are built by our people. Without their hard work and dedication, we would not be able to serve our customers so well. Financially, it’s not an easy decision but it is the right decision under such circumstances.”
Peter Macnab, CEO of A.S. Watson Health & Beauty UK, added: “The support package aims to give our colleagues reassurance and help to give them an immediate relief in financial pressure. They work very hard to keep our stores open and customers’ online purchases delivered. We are incredibly proud of our teams who are dedicated to making sure our customers can continue to access important health and personal care essentials, as well as prescriptions, in such an unprecedented time.”
At the moment, all of the 1,300 Superdrug and Savers stores, including its 200 pharmacies, remain open. The group said it was also seeing a significant increase in traffic to its online stores for click & collect and home delivery, as well as its prescription and health advisory services.
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