Another 200,000 jobs could be lost in Britain’s already reeling retail sector this year, experts warn.
The prediction comes after 176,700 losses last year, as 15,700 shops closed.
Many were already struggling with online competition and rising costs.
Retailers that have crumbled include shamed tycoon Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia empire, Peacocks, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Debenhams.
Job-loss forecasts came from the Centre for Retail Research.
Its director Prof Joshua Bamfield said factors included the “cumulative effects of months of closure and its impact upon cash flow and rent arrears payable when the moratorium ends”.
Property expert Altus says 436,000 business premises in England are now closed due to Tiers 3 and 4 restrictions.
The Mirror’s High Street Fightback campaign demands help for retailers.
We’ve teamed up with Labour to ask that tax breaks paid back by big retailers that stayed open go to struggling firms.
