On your marks, get set, shop! Do it for the nation

NEARLY three months ago we made the difficult decision to close vast numbers of shops.

Now they are raring to go again – as I saw for myself when I visited national and independent retailers on my local high street in Reading on Friday. From tomorrow, restrictions will be lifted so businesses like clothing stores, bookshops, auction houses and photography studios can reopen, as long as they follow Government guidelines. This will allow Britain’s much-loved high streets to spring back to life.

However, economic recovery does not come at the expense of people’s health.

Working with businesses, unions, and health and safety experts, we have issued clear guidance to employers to ensure the economy is reopening in a safe way.

Already, many retailers who have been open, including Screwfix and Boots, have assessed the risks.

They have put in place measures to protect workers and shoppers, such as one-way systems and protective clear screens at tills.

By lifting lockdown measures in a phased, gradual and careful way, people can return to work and Britain can enjoy shopping again, although not quite in the same way as before.

I know some shoppers will have reservations about returning to stores, especially after what feels like such a long time in lockdown.

But they can be confident the clear guidance means it is safe to return to our high streets, shopping centres and retail parks.

Everyone has a part to play in the UK’S economic recovery – and I hope Sunday Express readers will get out there to support the stores they love and know, which my family and I will be doing next weekend.