Bradford-based Morrisons will extend immediate payments for around 3000 small suppliers including farmers until the month of January as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, stating the move will help suppliers get through the challenging times.

“Suppliers and farmers have told us they face ongoing pressure and we want to be there for them during this challenging period. We highly value the continued and consistent efforts of British farmers and small suppliers and want to say thank you and extend support where we can,” David Potts, the supermarket’s chief executive, said.

The fourth largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom will start to process payments ‘immediately’, with the aim of releasing payment within 48 hours.