28 March 2024, 08:47
By Furniture News Mar 02, 2021

Toons MD calls on Government to review ‘non-essential retail’ policy

A furniture retailer is calling for the Government to review its timeline for the re-opening of non-essential retail stores, arguing that many furniture and flooring shops should be permitted to operate on an appointment-only basis ahead of the proposed return to trading on 12th April (see related).

Huw Williams, MD of Toons Furnishers, in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has launched a petition in which he argues that many larger stores are capable of operating in a Covid-safe manner, and that jobs are at risk without the enabling of some flexibility.

“As Covid lockdown continues, many non-essential retail businesses are being placed under financial pressure due to inadequate Government support,” says Huw. “This is placing some non-essential retail businesses and their employees at risk.

“I am calling upon the Government to allow non-essential stores the choice to open on an appointment-only basis – where this can be safely operated – by March the 27th at the latest, to allow these retailers to at least benefit from some of the Easter trade.

“Whilst I acknowledge there is still a risk from Covid, the Government is being over-cautious in relaxing lockdown restrictions.”

Huw also made the plea in an interview with ITV News last week.

To find out more, and sign the petition, click here.

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