Payment holidays on credit cards, car finance, personal loans and pawned goods have been extended following the Government’s announcement of a second lockdown from Thursday 5 November.
According to the new figures, the number of empty high street shops has risen to the highest level for more than six years following a wave of store closures as a result of the pandemic.
Beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers will be allowed to offer all “close contact” services from Saturday as lockdown measures relax, it has been announced.
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is considering the introduction of a new sales tax for the online retail sector in a bid to help the struggling high street compete with the e-commerce sector.
According to the latest figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), only a quarter of eligible businesses in the hospitality sector have signed up to the new ‘Eat out to help out scheme’.
A new package of support will help high street businesses “get back on their feet” following the coronavirus lockdown, the Government has said.
One in 10 firms are unable to open safely under the Government’s current health and safety guidance, a major study has revealed.