The retailer Penneys is to close it stores in the Republic of Ireland due to "health and welfare concerns" over the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement this evening, it said: "With the health and welfare of our employees and customers front of mind, we have made the decision to close our stores in the Republic of Ireland, until further notice. "Penneys has overcome many challenges over the past 50 years, and we pride ourselves on our agility and our ability to adapt. "We thank all our employees, customers, suppliers and partners for their continued support." Earlier, Mandate trade union general secretary John Douglas said the union had been told that staff will be paid in full for two weeks, whereupon the situation will be reviewed.