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Non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen from next week as long as coronavirus safety measures are in place, the Business Secretary has announced.

Alok Sharma said businesses would need to comply with social distancing rules, and said restaurants, pubs, bars and hairdressers would still need to wait until at least July 4 to open their doors.

But he said from June 15, other shops can welcome customers back.

He said: “This is the latest step in the careful restarting of our economy and will enable high streets up and down the country to spring back to life.”

Business Secretary Alok Sharma. Photo: PA

Enforcement notices can be issued if shops reopen without following the guidance, he added.

Mr Sharma said: “Of course, there are businesses which still remain closed. As soon as we can we will publish further safer working guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and related services.

“I know there’s been a lot of speculation about when we might be able to reopen these parts of the economy and I completely understand why we’re all so keen to get them back up and running, and I absolutely share that enthusiasm.

Non-essential shops to be allowed to reopen next week, Alok Sharma confirms