Shops are set to stay open until 10pm six days a week to help reduce coronavirus infections, a Government minister has announced.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the changes will help people avoid peak times and ease transport pressures when non-essential shops open from April 12.
The new opening hours will allow shops to stay open for longer from Monday to Saturday.
The Government is also extending flexible working hours on construction sites and allowing food deliveries to supermarkets over more time periods.
Pubs and restaurants will also continue to be able to put up marquees to help increase seating capacity in a Covid-secure way.
Whitehall figures suggest the move will allow 9,000 additional venues to open next month rather than having to wait for indoor serving in May.
Mr Jenrick said: "To support businesses to reopen and recover, I've extended measures to allow shops to stay open for longer.
"This is part of a package of support to help reopen our shops and high streets safely - backed by £56 million.
"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."
It comes after Marston's Brewery followed Wetherspoons' lead by announcing that 70 per cent of its venues across England would be open for business from April 12.
The 696 pubs will be offering an outdoor table service and customers will be able to use toilets and baby-changing facilities.
