Asda has got into the festive spirit this Christmas by investing £12 million in a thank you present to its staff, including a £20 gift card to spend in stores.

The seasonal bonus will include£5 towards a Christmas party and a free festive meal for each member of staff. Employees will also get a 20 per cent discount – double their normal saving – on various products including beer, wine and spirits, gifts and George clothing. In addition, permanent staff will be given an extra day’s paid holiday.

Asda people director David Smith said: “We’ll be saving our colleagues millions of pounds off their Christmas shopping lists by doubling their normal discount and giving them an extra day’s paid holiday to help get their shopping done. If that’s not a Christmas cracker I don't know what is.”