Calls to make high streets more inviting for shops to stay
The GMB union on the east coast says the future is looking bleak without support
Union representatives are calling for something to be done to make high streets more inviting for shops to stay.
It is after many businesses and retailers had to close permanently due to the pandemic and people doing online shopping instead.
Craig Thompson is from GMB on the east coast and said: "What we need is not to keep damaging the high street and not to keep having it impacted. What we're seeing is a decline in shops on the streets and that's concerning for workers. We need to see an investment in the high street.
"What we want to see is real dialogue, meaningful consultation and we want to see an outcome that means that no staff members are left finding themselves in a detriment.
"We are having tough conversations and tough conversations with landlords and local authorities. We're basically saying we need to be investing in the high streets and we're needing lower rents."