The Prime Minister signalled that moment essential retail shops will begin to open in June as the country moves to the next stage of its strategy for coming out of lockdown
Outdoor markets and car showrooms would be the first to open no earlier than June 1 provided they had social distancing measures in place to protect consumers from the risk of coronavirus infection.
This will be followed two weeks later by all other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, together with tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets.
The Cabinet also discussed proposals to relax social distancing rules by the end of next month that would enable families to meet up outdoors for social gatherings such as garden parties, picnics and barbecues.
Responding to the announcement, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “We welcome the announcement of the Government’s road map for reopening a broader range of shops next month, which provides much needed clarity on the route ahead.
“Safety is the fundamental concern for all retailers and they have been working hard to implement the necessary measures to operate safely over the past weeks.
“Now that we know which shops can open and when, retailers can begin communicating their plans with their workforces and customers. The industry stands ready to play its part in getting the economy moving again.”
