Small businesses have already started to see sales drop in the vital run-up to Christmas after the Government announced its new working from home guidance.

Boris Johnson has called for Britons to work from home “where possible” from Monday over fears of the omicron variant. 

But small retailers, including shops, cafes and restaurants, have warned that this could dramatically impact their sales over the Christmas trading period.

The British Chambers of Commerce warned the measures would hit firms that rely on town centre footfall particularly hard.

Meanwhile, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng this week suggested that firms would have to convince the Treasury that taxpayer support is necessary if they want help this winter.

‘There are even fewer people in the town centre’

Barry Whitehouse, the Artery art shop in Banbury

“The work from home rule means there are even fewer people within the town centre. The offices are quieter, bringing less footfall into town and fewer browsers at lunchtime, and this has had an impact on sales. As more people follow the directive, we will only see an increase in this trend.

“Our suppliers have staff working from home now, which means we have more difficulty with orders, and will possibly mean some of the things we order may not arrive to us in time for Christmas.”