A HIGH street supermarket chain will be paying employees a bonus for “working tirelessly throughout this extremely busy time”.

Aldi, which has three outlets in the city, said the bonus will be backdated from March 9.

The German supermarket has also announced dedicated shopping times for emergency workers.

Aldi will open between 9.30am -10.00am on each Sunday, solely for key workers in the NHS, police and fire service.

Eligible customers will be able to take priority at checkouts when they open at 10am.

Entry to Aldi stores between 9.30am - 10.00am will be with relevant identification only.

Aldi has introduced a number of new measures to encourage effective social distancing, and to protect colleagues and customers in store.

As well as the roll-out of clear screens at more than 7,000 checkouts, earlier in the week, Aldi has introduced other measures, including two-metre markers on the floors of stores to encourage responsible social distancing at the checkout.

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City councillor Richard Udall said: “It’s good to note supermarkets, not just Aldi, are helping people in most need such as key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

“At the same time, employers are trying to protect their staff.

“I’ve heard reports of customers getting angry at supermarket workers - it’s not the workers’ fault as the county is in crisis.

“I urge everyone to be nice to all supermarket workers and each other at this difficult time - always show respect.”

Previous steps by Aldi include restricting nappies and paper products to two items per customers and shortening closing time to 8pm, instead of 10pm, giving employees additional rest and allow the stores to be restocked.

Aldi is Britain’s fifth largest supermarket with over 860 stores and 33,000 employees.