A dozen retail industry veterans have urged High Street business rates relief to be extended past April.
The group, which includes White Company founder Chrissie Rucker and former Whistles boss Jane Shepherdson, have written to ministers to demand action, saying that shops, cafes and restaurants face an existential threat from lockdowns and online
Topshop owner Arcadia and Debenhams went bust last week putting 25,000 jobs on the line, and 20,000 shops are expected to close this year, costing 235,000 retail jobs.
A dozen retail industry veterans, including White Company founder Chrissie Rucker (pictured), have written to ministers to demand business rates relief be extended past April
Hospitality is expected to shed 600,000 jobs.
The open letter, also signed by Nick Wheeler, the founder of Charles Tyrwhitt, has been sent as part of the Save The Street campaign.
It said: ‘Our streets are under threat. Repeated lockdowns, with limited support, have brought independent retailers to their knees.
Local high streets are not just places to simply transact in but places to create community and feel human connection.’
It is also calling for a Eat Out to Help Out-style scheme for shops.
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