The introduction of Tier 4 restrictions in the county is a "huge blow" to businesses, according to Jo James, chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

The Prime Minister announced the new tier on Saturday night - with all non-essential stores forced to close their doors from Sunday - just days before Christmas.

And the impact on our local businesses of the "devastating blow" is set to be significant.

The chamber chief said: "Christmas was already cancelled for many businesses, but even more will now suffer as a result of this last-minute decision.

"While government must act on public health concerns, it must also address the economic consequences of its actions. Will there be more help for firms being forced to shut their doors - and for those who have paid for stock they now can’t sell? What support will there be for companies whose cash flow projections have once again been thrown into chaos?

"The introduction of an additional tier without warning or additional help is a huge blow to businesspeople who wanted nothing more than to be able to trade safely through the holiday season and beyond.

"It is clear ministers across all four nations are now considering even tougher measures. With huge numbers of firms already on the edge, it would be unconscionable for further restrictions or closures to be announced without a more comprehensive package of support in place that gives businesses the confidence that ministers will stand by them through an uncertain year ahead.

"What business needs is clarify and direction but this has certainly been absent this year.

"Sadly so many will struggle with the restrictions out in place over Christmas. Along with protecting the NHS and jobs the government needs to consider the impact of their decision making process on the nation's mental health."

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