Efforts by Marks and Spencer (M&S) to grapple with the major disruption caused by cyber attacks could last weeks, sources say.

The high street retailer’s cyber incident has seen some of its IT systems go down, with shelves empty, online services suspended, and warehouse employees sent home.

It is now understood that the process of rebuilding critical IT infrastructure could take weeks, reported The Telegraph.

Sources close to the business told the publication that while emergency systems are being rolled out in some areas, including online clothing and homeware orders, others remain particularly challenging to restore.

This week, foodhalls across the UK continued to face stock shortages on Thursday, while customers reported ongoing issues with online ordering for a seventh consecutive day.

The attack, which M&S confirmed last week, forced the retailer to suspend contactless payment over the weekend and halt click and collect services.

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The company has since paused all recruitment, removing over 230 job listings from its website, with a notice informing potential applicants: “Sorry, you can’t search for or apply for roles right now”.

A spokesperson told the title: “The whole team continues to work hard to minimise disruption for customers and our stores are open and ready to welcome them.

“As soon as we have any update, including on timescales, our customers will be the first to know.”

The warning over further disruption comes almost two weeks after issues first emerged. The retailer pulled click-and-collect options for customers and stopped people from paying with contactless cards over the Easter weekend..

Earlier this week, the ransomware attack was linked to the Scattered Spider group, a cyber gang reportedly involving both UK and US-based hackers.

In recent days, other retailers have also fallen victim to cyber attacks, with Co-op ordering its staff to keep their cameras on during virtual work meetings, and luxury department store Harrods restricting internet access on its sites.