Schuh is temporarily shuttering its online operation alongside store closures “to ensure the safety of our teams and customers”.

The footwear specialist will close its website today for an indefinite period of time in a bit to protect staff across its head office and fulfilment centres.

The retailer, which operates stores across the UK and Ireland and is headquartered in Scotland, said it had received conflicting advice from the Scottish and UK governments about how best to operate and protect staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Schuh said: “A number of distribution centre staff continue to indicate that they want to work within the warehouse to support the Schuh online business, along with other departmental employees offering their support also.

“However, Schuh management has confirmed that the website and stores will remain closed until there is updated UK and Scottish government advice.”

Schuh chief executive Colin Temple said: “Our people, both employees and customers alike, are at the heart of our business. As always, and particularly during these trying times, we want to ensure we put their health and wellbeing first. Therefore, we have taken the decision to temporarily close our website as well as our stores, to ensure the safety of our teams and customers.”