M&S issues major update after cyberattack sparks chaos for shoppers (2025)

M&S has issued an update to its agency workers following the cyberattack (Image: Getty)

has reportedly asked dozens of its agency workers at its main distribution centre to stay home as it continues to deal with the cyberattack that hit it. Nearly 200 workers due to begin their shift at M&S's Castle Donington clothing and homewares logistics centre in the East Midlands have been told to stay at home.

However, staff employed by the retailer have been told to continue as usual. One source told Sky News: "There is work for them to do.” Last week, M&S announced it had to suspend online orders due to a cyberattack on the popular retailer, yet has withheld details about the extent of the incident.

200 M&S agency staff told to stay at home (Image: Getty)

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On Tuesday, M&S chief executive Stuart Machin wrote to customers to confirm the problem, explaining that the retailer would implement "minor, temporary changes" to in-store operations as it manages the ongoing "cyber incident."

Following this on Friday, M&S suspended its online orders to all UK and Ireland websites and apps as part of a “proactive management” of the attack.

The company said its product range was still "available to browse online, and our stores remain open and ready to welcome and serve customers".

"We continue to manage the incident proactively and the M&S team - supported by leading experts - is working extremely hard to restore online operations and continue to serve customers well,” the retailer added.

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The length of the disruption to the brand’s e-commerce operations remains unclear, yet today’s announcement indicates the effects are ongoing.

Cybersecurity experts believe the move to keep workers away from the site was to stop the attack spreading throughout the retailer’s IT infrastructure.

M&S has taken numerous actions to protect its network, including reporting the incident to the data protection supervisory authorities and the National Cyber Security Centre.

The retailer has apologised to its online customers for any "inconvenience" caused since last week, emphasising that its stores remain open for customers.