The Business Secretary Alok Sharma has written an open letter thanking those working in retail during the coronavirus pandemic.
The letter (dated 8 April 2020) acknowledges the hardships retailers are currently facing, while giving thanks to all of those continuing to work and who are following the government’s direction.
Sharma said: “I know that these are challenging and uncertain times, in particular for retail businesses and staff across the country.
“I want to pay tribute to all of you who continue to work tirelessly in the retail sector to ensure that the public can continue to access the goods they need in these challenging times.
“Each and every one of you is making a valuable contribution to the economy and the communities you serve, keeping our supply chains up and running to contribute to the UK’s efforts to defeat coronavirus.
“I am encouraged by the way the sector has responded and am confident that it will continue to meet these challenges. To help ensure that workplaces remain safe, employers will, I am sure, continue to follow the latest government guidance on operating safely in the workplace.”
The NFRN welcomed the letter’s publication. National President Stuart Reddish said: “Independent retailers are working extremely hard during these unprecedented times. They are going above and beyond so they can continue serving their communities and I am very pleased to see that the business secretary is recognising their efforts and sacrifices.”
