LABOUR is calling for £2 billion in business rates relief returned by supermarkets to the Treasury to be reallocated to support 175,000 businesses forced to close in Tier 4 areas. 

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that London and parts of south-east England will be subject to the new top level of restrictions until December 30, 175,000 businesses were forced to shut their doors.

This includes more than 13,000 hair and beauty salons, over 8,600 gyms and leisure centres and more than 45,000 retail businesses, including shops selling clothes, homeware and books.