M&S 'tells workers to stay home' after cyber attack saw it suspend online orders

M&S has reportedly told hundreds of agency workers to stay at home following a that saw it suspend online orders last week.

reports that the alert has been issued to roughly 200 people at the Castle Donington clothing and homewares logistics centre in the East Midlands. The has contacted M&S for comment.

M&S paused online orders after confirmed it has become the victim of a cyber incident, which saw shoppers unable to use contactless payments in stores. The supermarket said its click and collect service was also affected.

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M&S said its stores still remain open while it works with cyber security experts to investigate the issue - however, it previously warned that gift cards, e-gift cards and credit receipts can't currently be used as a payment method.

The supermarket last issued an update on social media on Saturday, when it said: "As part of our proactive management of a cyber incident, we have made the decision to pause taking orders via our M&S.com websites and .

"Our product range remains available to browse online. We are truly sorry for this inconvenience. Our stores are open to welcome customers.

"We informed customers on Tuesday that there was no need for them to take any action. That remains the case, and if the situation changes we will let them know.

"Our experienced team — supported by leading cyber experts — is working extremely hard to restart online and app shopping. We are incredibly grateful to our customers, colleagues and partners for their understanding and support."

The cyber incident was confirmed last week after shoppers complained they couldn't use contactless payments in stores. One customer said: "Went to @marksandspencer did a full food shop only to be told that I can’t use contactless, had to walk away from a whole food shop."

Another said: "Just went to pay for a full basket of shopping only to be told that your contactless payments aren’t working."