MCDONALD'S has announced it will close all 1,350 stores in the UK and Ireland today.

A statement issued by the restaurant chain said the stores - which employ 135,000 workers - will close by 7pm this evening.

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1 McDonald's will close all stores across the UK Credit: Getty - Contributor

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On Friday night, PM Boris Johnson ordered all pubs, restaurants and cafes to close in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Most major retail chains have now shut their doors over the escalating coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday, McDonald's followed suit with a statement issued by Paul Pomroy, Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s UK & Ireland, confirming the closures.

Mr Pomroy said: "Over the last 24 hours, it has become clear that maintaining safe social distancing whilst operating busy takeaway and Drive Thru restaurants is increasingly difficult and therefore we have taken the decision to close every restaurant in the UK and Ireland by 7pm on Monday 23rd March at the latest."

As businesses across the nation are forced to close, the UK government has vowed to help pay the wages of employees unable to work.

It will pay 80 per cent of salary for staff who are kept on by their employer, covering wages of up to £2,500 a month.

Mr Sunak announced a new coronavirus job retention scheme in order to keep people in jobs, calling it "unprecedented" in the history of the British state.

A total of 135,000 employees work for McDonalds in Ireland and the UK.

A McDonald’s Spokesperson told Sun Online: "All company owned restaurant employees will receive full pay for their scheduled hours until 5th April and we will work quickly to determine how best to further support our employees and to ensure that those who are eligible can fully benefit from the support packages announced by both UK and Irish governments."

FREE FOOD FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS

Mr Pomroy said last night the decision to close was not taken lightly and food from the restaurants would be distributed to those most in need.

"Ahead of closing tomorrow evening, will ensure frontline health workers and emergency services personnel do not have to pay for any food or drink in our restaurants on sight of their work pass," he said.

Earlier this week, McDonald's provided free drinks to frontline health and social workers and emergency services personnel.

Following the restaurant closures, Mr Pomroy said he would be working closely with community groups across the UK and Ireland "to distribute food from our restaurants to those most in need".

Over the last 24 hours, it has become clear that maintaining safe social distancing whilst operating busy takeaway and Drive Thru restaurants is increasingly difficult. Paul Pomroy, Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s UK & Ireland

Mr Pomroy thanked all 135,000 McDonald's employees, saying he was "incredibly grateful" to all staff "who have been working hard to continue to serve you safely in difficult circumstances."

"I am so proud of them all for adapting so quickly to a constantly evolving work environment, taking every step to keep our customers, couriers and teams safe and looking after each other so very well," he said.

"We will continue to update you thorough our website, social media channels and email alerts in the coming weeks but in the meantime we thank you for your continued support and custom."

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Last week McDonald's confirmed that it will close all play areas in UK restaurants over coronavirus fears.

PRET a Manger and Starbucks also temporarily closed their UK stores over coronavirus.

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Which brands are shutting up shop HERE is the list of all the retailers that have said they are closing their doors thanks to coronavirus Boden - closing all stores

Burton - closing all stores

Calvin Klein - closing all stores

Clarks - closing all 441 stores

Dorothy Perkins - closing all stores

Evans - closing all stores

Fenwick - closing all stores

IKEA - closing all 22 stores

John Lewis - closing all 50 stores

Miss Selfridge - closing all stores

Oxfam - closing all 600 charity shops

Starbucks - closing all UK branches

Sweaty Betty - closing all stores

TK Maxx - closing all 349 stores

Topshop - closing all 300 stores

Wallis - closing all stores

McDonald's said maintaining safe social distancing whilst operating busy takeaway and Drive Thru restaurants had become increasingly difficult Credit: Ian Whittaker - The Sun

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces Coronavirus Job Retention scheme to pay salaries of workers affected by closed businesses

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