In a statement yesterday evening, prime minister Boris Johnson said that open-air markets and car showrooms would be allowed to open from June 1, and that all other non-essential retailers could open from June 15.

However, he said the move would be “contingent on progress in the fight against coronavirus” and retailers would have to adhere to new guidelines to protect shoppers and workers.

Johnson also said new guidance had been published for the retail sector “detailing the measures they should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards”.