Jobs at risk in England and billions of pounds at stake as firms warn online shopping network may not cope
Retailers and hospitality firms have warned of the devastating financial impact of a new month-long lockdown in England which they say threatens billions of pounds worth of Christmas trade and puts hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk.
The next two months are supposed to be the most lucrative time of the year for the high street but 500,000 shops, restaurants and pubs will have to close on Thursday and remain shuttered until 2 December.