Baking organisation Walkers Shortbread Limited has closed all production operations with immediate effect but will still continue to pay staff in full throughout the duration of the closure.
The organisation temporarily closed on 26 March 2020 and it has no plans to open any earlier than 20 April 2020.
All employees will receive 100% of their pay with staff working from home if they are in a position to do so.
Alongside its production operations, Walkers Shortbread has also closed its online shop and plans to review the closures on 16 April 2020.
In a statement, Walkers Shortbread said: "The safety and well-being of employees is the paramount consideration of the organisation. The Government is keen to maintain food supply and whilst strenuous efforts have been made to ensure that social distancing and the highest standards of hygiene are firmly in place, the organisation has listened to the genuine concerns of employees and has taken this difficult decision."
Richard Lochhead, member of the Scottish Parliament added: "The right decision for staff and employer and community. And all employees to receive full pay! Setting a great example. Hopefully, they’ll be back producing their amazing Speyside products soon."
