leicester retailers back in lockdown
Leicester retailers back required to close for a minimum of two weeks as lockdown rules imposed

After weeks of lockdown measures being rolled back as the UK began to return to some semblance of normality, the announcement that restrictions have been reapplied to residents in Leicester has been a stark reminder that coronavirus is still very much prevalent.

With travel restricted and non-essential shops forced to reclose amid spiralling community transmission of the virus, THIIS examines what the local lockdown means for retailers within the city and others in the sector should the same happen where they are based.

On the 29th of June, the government announced that Leicester and its surrounding area will be required to continue with the current national restrictions for a further two weeks from the 4th of July.

Importantly, for non-essential shops that reopened on the 15th of June, these will be required to close from the 30th June, according to the council.

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In addition, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not open on the 4th of July with the rest of England. Schools will also close from the 2nd of July except to vulnerable children and children of key workers and will not reopen until next term.

The changes will also apply to parts of Leicestershire close to the city’s boundaries, with the map below detailing exactly which parts of Leicestershire will be required to adhere to the stringent measures – all of the areas within the red line are included.

Leicester lockdown map

According to the government, the measures must be taken due to a surge in cases in the east of the city in the past two weeks.

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby commented: “These measures are stricter than we anticipated but we understand the need for firm action. I am determined that we will make this work and to minimise the time these additional measures need to be in place in the city.

“We will of course continue to play our part in keeping people in the city safe and healthy.”

For mobility retailers in the city, the news will come as a blow as residents are urged to remain in their homes and reduce contact with others.

It is not yet known if additional central support will be made available to retailers in the city that are required to close their doors.

Additionally, the government has not confirmed if new applications to the furlough scheme, which closed on the 10th June, will be extended to companies based in locations under lockdown.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock touched on financial support for those in Leicester but did not confirm any specific measures or whether the furlough scheme would be reopened for retailers.

“The furlough scheme remains and is there, but we’ve also put in money to the local councils so that on a discretionary basis they can use that to support people who need further support,” he said.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/leciester-retailers-back-in-lockdown.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/leciester-retailers-back-in-lockdown-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettCoronavirus NewsCOVID-19 Sector NewsCOVID-19 Trade NewsGovernment & Local AuthoritiesNewsroomRetailer NewsSector NewsSupplier NewsTrade Newscommunity transmission,coronavirus,East Midlands,Leicester,local lockdown,lockdown,Oadby,outbreak,WigstonAfter weeks of lockdown measures being rolled back as the UK began to return to some semblance of normality, the announcement that restrictions have been reapplied to residents in Leicester has been a stark reminder that coronavirus is still very much prevalent. With travel restricted and non-essential shops forced to...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals