Supermarket giant Woolworths has announced it would pay casual staff required to self-isolate due to the coronavirus for shifts they would have otherwise worked during the isolation period.

In a memo sent to staff on Thursday, Woolworths - which is Australia's largest private employer with around 55,000 casual employees - said it wanted to ensure workers who have to be absent due to the outbreak would not be disadvantaged.

Woolworths will pay casual workers who have been affected by the coronavirus. Credit:Patrick Scala

Team members who cannot work due to a Department of Health requirement to self-isolate, or are confirmed as having the virus, would be supported by the company. Workers who are required to care for others who have been isolated, such as children, would also be supported, the company said.

Full- or part-time workers have been directed to take personal or carer's leave where possible, with Woolworths topping up leave for a maximum of two weeks if the worker has already used up their personal leave.