Some of the high street’s biggest names including John Lewis, Harrods and Arcadia have revealed plans to shut stores and axe jobs, while others including TM Lewin have tumbled into administration. 

When other industries or companies have suffered such pain, the government has often lept into action to offer help and support.

Once again, there is little sign of such a response for retail, despite the wide-ranging impact that such job losses and high street turbulence will have.