The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is set to announce that non-essential retail will be allowed to reopen next week, marking the end of the second national lockdown.
Retailers hope that following the Prime Minister’s announcement today at 3:30pm, they will be able to reopen ahead of the Christmas season, a key shopping period for many consumers who are looking to treat family and friends with gifts.
BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson commented: “The most important issue is to ensure all shops can reopen from the start of December as the all-important Christmas shopping period gets into full swing. Retailers have spent hundreds of millions on safety measures to protect colleagues and customers, and they stand prepared for reopening.”
According to a number of reports, the Prime Minister is set to outline the return of the three tier system, which is expected to have much tougher restrictions but will see non-essential shops and gyms able to reopen. Restaurants and pubs are also expected to have a more relaxed closing time, with last orders expected to be at around 10pm.
As part of the new tougher three tier system, the Prime Minister is expected to say that rapid testing will be rolled out.
