SHOPPERS will have to pay at least 5p for plastic bags from the beginning of October in a bid to cut their use.

People shopping at supermarkets and shops which employ more than 250 people will be asked to pay for single use plastic carrier bags.

The levy will be introduced on Monday, October 5 as the Government attempts to reduce the number used, increase their re-use and reduce litter.

Wales, Scotland and Ireland already have similar 5p charges on single use bags.

Businesses have been told that once they have deducted reasonable costs it is expected that they will donate all proceeds to good causes.

In 2013, supermarkets gave out over 8 billion single-use carrier bags across the UK which equates to nearly 130 bags per person.

Information about the charges on the Gov.uk website said: "Discarded plastic bags are a very visible form of littering and can cause injury to marine wildlife.

"The effect of plastic bags on the environment goes beyond littering.

"They consume resources, including oil, in their creation.

"Even when disposed of responsibly, plastic bags can last for long periods of time in landfill sites."

ASDA in Silver Street, Worcester, employs around 300 people and has already begun warning customers of the introduction of the charges.

A spokesman said: "We're working closely with our customers and colleagues to make sure they're ready for the introduction of carrier bag charging in England.

"We will be doing this through a number of different ways including online and in store communications.

"We're committed to reducing the amount of carrier bags used in the UK and whilst we recognise this is the ultimate aim of the charge, we also appreciate that there is another commitment we can make as a retailer around the money raised from the charge.

"Like we've done elsewhere in the UK we will be donating 100 per cent of the money we receive through the charge to charities, we're still finalising a few of the details on that but will have an update ready shortly.

"In Scotland a number of charities and enterprises have received over £540,000 in donations whilst in Wales the figure stands at over £650,000, our aim is to do the same for good causes in England."