The retailer Wilko has apologised after telling staff they could continue to come into work even if they tested positive for Covid.

The Mirror reported this week how, in a memo to staff, the company said those with the virus could continue to work at their stores while positive if they felt well enough.

Wilko has hundreds of stores around the UK, including one in Leek.

In its initial memo to over 20,000 employees, the retail chain said: "If you test positive for Covid-19 and feel well you can continue to come to work, if you feel too unwell you can follow the absence policy."

However, Wilko has since performed a u-turn since the report was released, now saying staff should stay home and avoid contact if they test positive.

Wilko chief executive Jerome Saint-Marc said in an update: "When we get something wrong, we hold our hands up, admit it, and work to correct the situation."

He added that he wanted to "reassure all our customers and team members" on the company's Covid policy and said: "As throughout our 92 years on the High Street, the safety and wellbeing of our shoppers and teams is at the heart of our business and we're truly sorry for any understandable concerns our communications may have raised."

Although it is still recommended, there is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for Covid, leaving it up to individuals to decide whether they want to isolate or not.