The government has announced that non-essential retailers will be able to extend their opening hours when they re-open their doors next month.

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick MP confirmed that shops will have the flexibility to open until 10pm Monday to Saturday once restrictions are eased on 12 April.

The temporary measures aim to make socially distanced shopping easier to continue by giving people the opportunity to avoid peak times and easing transport pressures.

The government is also allowing food deliveries to supermarkets over more time periods.

“To support businesses to reopen and recover, I’ve extended measures to allow shops to stay open for longer,” said Robert Jenrick MP. “This is part of a package of support to help reopen our shops and high-streets safely – backed by £56 million.”

He added: “This will provide a much-needed boost for many businesses – protecting jobs, reducing pressure on public transport and supporting people and communities to continue to visit their high streets safely and shop locally.”

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