The value retailer, which operates an 850-strong UK store estate, is temporarily closing stores in locations where it has another outlet in operation nearby, as well as in shopping centres such Meadowhall Sheffield and Manchester Arndale, where mass closures of ‘non-essential’ stores have driven down footfall traffic.

There will be no job losses as a result of these closures, with impacted staff either placed on furlough or transferred to nearby stores.

As a result of these changes, an additional 250 central colleagues in Poundland’s offices in Willenhall and Watford who will also be asked to agree to a furlough period.