Retail Ireland response to Brown Thomas Arnotts job losses

Responding to the announcement that 150 jobs will be lost in Brown Thomas Arnotts, Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said: “While some parts of the sector have bounced back, many retailers remain under enormous stress.

"City and town centre businesses are struggling because so many office workers are working from home. At the same time the trade from foreign tourists has evaporated. Footfall has dropped by as much as 50% in some areas and the cost base of many businesses is now way out of line with the trading reality.

"The focus must remain on protecting viable but vulnerable retailers through this period. This will demand significant additional government supports as we move through the crisis. The planned VAT reduction is very welcome. Many businesses under pressure will need to use this revenue to protect jobs. The crisis for many retailers is far from over.”