Both of the Cineworld Cinemas in Swindon have reportedly stopped paying all staff.

In an email seen by the Swindon Advertiser the company has informed employees that they won't be allocated any more shifts.

The email says: "With the closure of all our cinemas in the UK, we need to inform you that as part of our measures to try to save the business given the serious difficulties that it is currently facing in light of the coronavirus pandemic, we will not be allocating you with any further shifts from 20th March 2020.

"You will be paid in full up to and including 19th March 2020. This will be paid on 30th March 2020.

"As government guidance is changing daily, we reserve the right to amend these terms in the future.

"Additionally, the company will establish a hard-ship fund.

"Once again, I would like to reiterate that as we face these unprecedented times, we have needed to take these huge steps which I know will affect many.

"When we are able to reopen, we sincerely hope you wish to return to us - we value your contribution and support you have given to our business and therefore, we would like to keep in contact with you.

"This contact will simply inform you of the company's re-opening plans.

"I sincerely wish good health for you and your families during these uncertain times."

When contacted by the Advertiser, Cineworld responded with this statement: "Like other businesses in the retail and leisure industry we are facing an incredibly challenging time as a consequence of the global coronavirus pandemic.

"Following government guidance, we have taken the decision to close all our cinemas across the UK and Ireland to protect the health and wellbeing of our employees and customers.

"We value our employees and want to do everything we viably can to support them in these difficult and uncertain times.

"Our aim has been to preserve jobs and continue to pay as many staff as possible while they are not working.”

When pressed to confirm if the staff were laid off, Cineworld didn't respond.