RETAIL union Usdaw is demanding Chancellor Rishi Sunak take action in Wednesday’s Budget to help “save our shops.”

As part of its new retail recovery plan, the union wants the current business rates holiday to be extended to the end of 2021 to help struggling high streets “build back better” after Covid-19.

The union is also demanding a 1 per cent online sales levy to fund a cut in business rates and an extension on eviction bans for shops in rent arrears.

General secretary Paddy Lillis said the rapid shift to online shopping, which has grown by nearly half in the last year, has had an unprecedented impact.  

“The longer-term challenges facing the sector will be catastrophic,” he warned. “The crisis will result in gaping holes in high streets that sit at the heart of our communities.

“Food retail workers have a key role in keeping the country fed and have worked throughout the pandemic, facing increased levels of abuse.

“The pandemic has pushed many retailers and [staff] to breaking point. The Chancellor has the opportunity to make a significant difference.”