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Next Plc shuts online operation

Retailer said it was increasingly clear staff in warehousing and distribution operations wanted to be at home

Next in Highcross, Leicester

Next Plc has decided to close its online operation along with its warehouses and transport network because of the growing concerns about the spread of Covid-19.

The £4 billion turnover retailer had already shut its stores, but had kept its online Directory operation going.

However, following concerns among workers the business took the decision to close all sales operations this evening.

A number of staff had contacted LeicestershireLive - a sister site of Business-Live - with concerns about social distancing within its Enderby, Leicestershire, head office and Gedding Road Directory call centre, in Leicester.

The chain, which last week reported annual sales of almost £4.4 billion and profits of more than £728 million, closed its shops on Monday along with other chains selling non-essential goods.

Online operations were still running, however.

Its plans to deal with the crisis have included working around a worst-case scenario of a three month company shutdown, leading to a £1 billion drop in turnover over the next year.

In a statement this evening, the headquartered business said: "Next has listened very carefully to its colleagues working in warehousing and distribution operations to fulfil online orders.