Retailers have been provided with fresh social distancing guidelines ahead of any potential return to trading.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stresses there is no timetable in place to ease coronavirus restrictions which have been in place for non-essential shops since March 23.

But with some firms, such as DIY chains Homebase and B&Q, starting to reopen the British Retail Consortium and shop workers' union Usdaw have released advice to non-food retailers ahead of re-opening.

It closely follows the steps in place at food shops which have remained open throughout the crisis.

Among the points covered in the advice are:

• Limit exit points in and out of store.
• Limit the number of customers in the store.
• Encourage shoppers to shop alone wherever possible.
• Schedule deliveries to avoid crowding in delivery areas.
• Provide cleaning stations at the front of store including hand sanitiser, if available, and disinfectant wipes or spray for trolley/basket handles.
• Use floor markings to help keep people two metres apart.
• Leave non-essential doors open to minimise the number of people who touch them.
• Encourage cashless purchases.
• Consider keeping changing rooms closed or have a member of staff ensuring social distancing is maintained.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said: "Non-food retails should only start trading again when expert public health advice agrees.

"We need to be ready and we need to make sure the proper preparations and measures are put in place."