Coronavirus: Local lockdowns in UK would be the ‘final straw’ for businesses

On Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the city would become the first place in the UK to go into a local lockdown.

A Leicester shop owner has said businesses urgently need financial help if they are to avoid collapse due to the renewed lockdown placed on the city.

Joseph Hand, owner of Leicester Vintage and Old Toy Shop, told the PA news agency the lockdown has already put his business “two years behind” where he had hoped to be and he fears the stricter measures could stunt its growth further.