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Next closes online operations to let all workers isolate

Last updated: 10:24 27 Mar 2020 GMT, First published: 07:26 27 Mar 2020 GMT

Next PLC - Next closes online operations to let all workers isolate

Next PLC (LON:NXT) dropped on Friday after announcing it will not take any more online orders until further notice.

The FTSE 100 fashion retailer said workers in the warehousing and distribution operations “increasingly feel they should be at home in the current climate”.

READ: Next “could sustain the loss” of 25% annual sales, delays dividend

All operations relating to online orders are now temporarily closed following its stores that closed earlier this week to comply with coronavirus prevention measures.

Analysts at ShoreCap put the 'hold' recommendation under review as said online represents 50% of total sales, and has been "the fastest growing area of the business" with a 12% increase in the last financial year.

Next had come under fire for keeping its warehouses and distribution centres open with staff reportedly offered a 20% pay hike to keep coming in.

Other online retailers including Boohoo.coom and ASOS continue to trade as normal in spite of government calls for all non-essential workers to stay at home.

Next shares dropped 7% to 4,207.9p on Friday morning.

--Adds analyst's comment, detail shares--

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