On Monday 25 May, the Prime Minster Boris Johnson announced the next step in the ‘Conditional plan’ to re-start the economy and ease the lockdown restrictions by confirming that from 15 June all non-essential retailers would be able to re-open.
The Prime Minister confirmed that, subject to ongoing progress against the government’s five tests as part of the ‘Condition Plan’, retailers will be able to open as long as they adhere to the government’s safe workplace guidelines published for retail sector, updated today. Retailers will be expected to carry out risk-assessments, in consultation with trade unions or workers, ensuring they ‘are confident they are managing the risks’. The guidelines can be found in full here. To read the government’s press release on re-opening non-essential retail, click here.
Non-essential retailers are categorised as stores selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books and electronics.
Additionally, from 1 June outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to re-open, as soon as ‘they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers’.
This follows the announcements made on Sunday that confirmed from 1 June primary schools will re-open for those in reception, Year 1 and Year 6 and secondary schools will re-opening from 15 June for Year 10 and Year 12 students.
To read the Prime Minister’s statement click here.
Initial plans announced to re-open Kingston Town Centre safely
We are working closely with Kingston Council to ensure the town centre’s streets and spaces can be managed in a co-ordinated, safe way and to enable social distancing for returning town centre customers and employees, and as per the government’s guidance for town centres.
The Council have announced the following over the weekend:
- Temporary adjustments to the town’s road layout to enable safe queuing and movement via several temporary ‘protected walking and cycle lanes’ at ‘pinch point’ locations.
- 50% discount on car parking charges in Council multi-storey car parks (Bittoms, The Rose and Cattle Market) from 29 May. We will update you on these national and local announcements, and further town centre plans during the coming week.
For more support and news
For further support and information visit ‘Kingston First: Kingston First: Covid-19 Business Advisory Service’ or speak to our team, please contact us 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, by:
- Phone: 0208 547 1221
- Email: support@kingstonfirst.co.uk
- Or follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates
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