Coronavirus: M&S launches contact-free delivery and ups UK food production

Marks & Spencer has also transferred staff from its clothing division to the food arm in order to cope with increased demand and has pledged to stay true to its community values by looking after the vulnerable.

In a letter to customers and staff, chief executive Steve Rowe wrote: “To make sure we can always deliver for you, we have now introduced a contact-free delivery experience for all clothing, home, flowers, hampers and wine orders. This gives the option of no hand to hand contact and the driver can leave the delivery safely at your door.”

Other business, such as food delivery specialist Deliveroo, have launched similar initiatives to help minimise the likelihood of coronavirus transmission and as people adopt social distancing and self-isolation measures for the same reason.

M&S is also increasing the amount of food it makes in the UK. Rowe told customers: “You can be confident that the food you buy from M&S is responsibly sourced and we are continuing to support and invest in our supplier partners to deliver trusted value every day.

“Now, as ever, the entire M&S team – across our stores, our support centres, our warehouses and in our supply chain – is working tirelessly to deliver for our customers.”

He said that staff in stores and throughout the supply chain “have been provided with additional hygiene products to use and extra cleaning is taking place to keep up our excellent standards”. The retailer has also “paused” cubicle-based bra and suit fitting services

Rowe concluded: “Throughout our history, our customers, colleagues and communities have relied on us during the most challenging circumstances. We don’t take that lightly and in the coming weeks, we will share more about what we are doing to help you and the wider community, particularly its most vulnerable members.

”It’s the kindness and support that we give to each other that will help us get through these unprecedented times.”