The U-turn comes after pressure from the GMB union, which highlighted only statutory sickness pay was being offered to workers after a HR director argued coronavirus was no different to illnesses like influenza and would not be treated differently.

GMB officials said Amey’s stance meant workers would have to choose between “health or wealth”, because those who should self-isolate would not be able to afford to do so on statutory sick pay.

Now Amanda Fisher, CEO of Amey, has committed the business to full pay for all those impacted by coronavirus, including those self-isolating.

She said: “Amey prioritises its employees’ health and safety above all else.

“We are grateful that the issue around statutory sick pay for those affected by Covid-19 has been brought to our attention.

“We have conducted an immediate review of our policy and can announce that any employee who is affected by Covid-19 – because they themselves are suffering, or are self-isolating – will now receive full pay rather than statutory sick pay.

Fisher added; “This will also apply retrospectively to those that have taken time off due to the virus in the past few weeks.

“This decision has been made to help protect our employees in the midst of the current coronavirus pandemic, and ensure we are following government guidelines for keeping employees safe from the unnecessary spread of infection.

“We are immensely proud of all of Amey employees, many of whom are continuing to deliver vital services that are keeping our country going in an extremely difficult time.”