More shop closures and job losses likely if retail rent crisis not tackled, industry group warns

80% of retailers claim to be in arrears on their rent, according to a survey by industry group Retail Excellence

The survey found 20% of retailers saying landlords will not engage and are demanding full payment of rent due, including for the nine months of lockdown during which shops were closed.

Further shop closures and job losses are likely if more is not done to tackle the escalating retail rent crisis, an industry group has warned.

As many as 80% of retailers claim to be in arrears on their rent, with at least one landlord, according to a survey by industry group Retail Excellence.