Non-essential retailers to reopen as early as 15 June, government says

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in yesterday's conference that non-essential retailers will be able to reopen stores in England from June 15 as long as social distancing measures are implemented.

In addition to this, open air markets and car showrooms will be also be allowed to open from 1 June.

The PM said that the openings would be "contingent on progress in the fight against coronavirus" and retailers would have to adhere to the new rules. Johnson also added that new guidance has been published for the retail sector "detailing the measures they should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards". The guidance can be found here.

"Shops now have the time to implement this guidance before they reopen," he said.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said the announcement has given retailers "much needed clarity".

"We welcome the announcement of the government's roadmap for reopening a broader range of shops next month, which provides much needed clarity on the route ahead," she said.

"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."

High streets minister Simon Clarke introduced a £50 million fund over the weekend for local councils to support their high streets.

The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund will "help councils in England introduce a range of safety measures in a move to kick-start local economies, get people back to work and customers back to the shops".