Lockdown delay ‘huge disappointment for highstreet’, says Bira

Andrew Goodacre, the CEO of Bira, has described the extension of lockdown restrictions as a “huge disappointment for the high street” and called for greater government support for retailers. 

According to Goodacre, the extension, which will see remaining social distancing measures continue beyond 21 June, will “damage consumer confidence”.

In a statement, the head said that “the least” the government could do is ensure that retailers still affected by restrictions “receive extra grants”. 

In addition, Goodacre called for retailers with rental debt “to be protected” – adding that officials should look to “reverse the decision to remove the reinsurance scheme protecting trade credit for retailers.”

He said: “The extension to the current regulations has not been a surprise but it is still a huge disappointment for the high street. Even more disappointing is the lack of support being offered as a consequence of these delays.”