The company said it had started working with a number of national companies to offer temporary roles to people, in recognition of the “significant… implications on many other businesses in areas such as travel and food services that are having to stand down workers”.

In a statement Asda said “colleagues from these companies will be offered shifts or a temporary secondments to Asda roles – ensuring individuals remain in work and companies do not have the additional pressure of staff costs during this crisis.”

The supermarket added that colleagues had also been urged to “reach out on social media” to invite friends and family whose work had been impacted by Covid-19 to get in touch with their local store about job opportunities.

Chief executive and president Roger Burnley said: “The way our colleagues are working to support the nation is incredible and I want to support them – and those closest to them who are experiencing the other end of this crisis and need work. 

“Where we can provide opportunities for employment, even short term, to help people through this period, we want to play our part.”

TTG has contacted Asda for comment on which travel firms have been approached.