Lockdown easing: Key dates and information

Yesterday the Prime Minister published a new four step plan to end England’s lockdown. A summary of the key steps and dates can be found below. We are pleased that we now have dates to work towards and have already started to plan for the reopening of our town centre and welcoming back consumers. At the same time, we continue to lobby for much needed support for our local businesses including extending the business rates holiday, extending the VAT reduction scheme and pausing NI contributions for furloughed employees. Watch our Chief Executive, Kirsten Henly, Natterjacks owner Andy Beagley and Food For Thought owner Alan Martin give their reactions to the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday on BBC London News. We will continue to update you on plans for reopening and share any information about financial support.

Our free training and webinar series continues to run and can help support you with planning for reopening. We have a timely webinar on employment law this week. Check out the training programme here.

Key dates for businesses

Step 1 – no earlier than 29 March

• Schools reopen

• Outdoor sports facilities open; organised sport allowed

• Two people allowed to sit together outside

Step 2 – no earlier than 12 April

• Non-essential retail and personal care, such as hairdressers and nail salons reopen

• Hospitality venues; pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor table service only, with no curfew or requirement for a substantial meal

• Outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks can open

• Public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, will reopen

• Indoor leisure facilities; gyms and pools can reopen

• Self-catering holiday accommodation and campsites can open

• No international travel but minimal domestic travel allowed

Step 3 – no earlier than 17 May

• Indoor hospitality and hotels can reopen

• Indoor entertainment venues such as theatres, cinemas and soft play can reopen

• Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas and theatre are allowed

• Domestic overnight stays allowed

• International travel allowed (subject to review)

• Large indoor events at 50% capacity

Step 4 – no earlier than 21 June

• Nightclubs to reopen

• Restrictions on large events and performances lifted