Tesco has announced plans to hire 20,000 new staff to work in its stores for at least the next 12 weeks after “unprecedented” demand from shoppers.

Natasha Adams, Tesco’s chief people officer, said: “I’m so proud to be welcoming thousands of new colleagues to Tesco.

“Thank you to everyone offering to help as we work day and night to keep our shelves full for customers.

“The community spirit at Tesco is fantastic and together, we can do this.”

Asda said it wanted to recruit more than 5,000 temporary staff from among people whose jobs have been impacted by the virus.

Aldi announced it was looking to fill 5,000 new temporary posts and take on 4,000 permanent new workers for jobs in all its stores and distribution centres.

And Lidl said it would create about 2,500 temporary jobs across its 800 stores in the UK.