Boris Johnson hints at a possible relaxation of the "two-metre social distancing rule"

Boris Johnson has strongly hinted at changing the two-metre social distancing rule to help revive the economy as figures showed the carnage already caused by coronavirus in the jobs market.

The Prime Minister said “watch this space” in response to pressure to ease the rule, which businesses, including retailers, bars and restaurants, say limit their ability to reopen.

Johnson also said there was a “chink of light” in the battle against coronavirus as a study of the cheap, widely available steroid dexamethasone indicated lifesaving results among some of the most seriously ill COVID-19 patients.

The need for action to support the economy was underlined by official figures which showed a sharp drop in the number of paid employees – down by 2.1% or 612,000 in May compared with March – and a huge increase in benefit claims.

Although the UK jobless rate remained largely unchanged quarter-on-quarter at 3.9% in the three months to April, with unemployment at 1.34 million, there are fears that more redundancies could follow as Government support is withdrawn over the coming months.

The Office for National Statistics figures came as Johnson faced pressure from Tory MPs and business groups to ease the two-metre rule.

The next relaxation of lockdown measures in England could take place on 4 July if the coronavirus outbreak is under control, with pubs and restaurants in line to reopen – but hospitality chiefs have warned that many will remain closed because it is not worth them opening if the number of customers is severely restricted.

The rule was also part of the problem which prevented Mr Johnson meeting his goal of fully reopening England’s primary schools before the summer holiday.

Johnson said: “I’m all too aware that the two-metre rule has big implications for schools and for many other sectors and I absolutely hear those concerns and will do everything in my power to get us back to normal as soon as possible.

“But we must proceed carefully and according to our plan, and I’m still committed to that central goal to get back to life as close to normal as possible, for as many people as possible, as fast and as fairly as possible, in a way that minimises the risk of a new epidemic, minimises the risk to life and maximises our chances of a strong economic and social recovery.”

Social distancing markers outside Liberty in central London

At the Downing Street press conference, Johnson said that as the rate of infection is brought down then the “statistical likelihood” of being in contact with a coronavirus carrier “is going down the whole time”.

If that continued he said “we’ll also have a strong case for reviewing those measures”, adding: “Watch this space, because we absolutely hear you.”

The Government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance suggested the policy could be changed based on the setting and the prevalence of the disease.

“Two metres is safer than one metre, but it’s not an absolute, it’s a relative and obviously the closer you get the riskier it is, so it’s a risk assessment,” he said.

He said other steps to reduce risk include being side-by-side or back-to-back rather than face-to-face with people. Being outside, in a good ventilated space or wearing face coverings could also help.

“There are times in which this can be changed and that evidence of course can then be the basis of a policy decision on what the right distance is that should be mandated or put forward as the rule to follow.”

Social distancing signs are in place throughout London's West End

The 2m rule is placing serious limits on the number of consumers a retailer can have in-store at any given moment, severely reducing turnover, and leaving some stores unviable. The problem is exacerbated in the hospitality sector, which has yet to get the green light to open. A healthy food and beverage offer is also key for fashion retailers to thrive as it attracts more customers out to the shops.

Other countries have adopted either 1m or 1.5m social distancing rules. France, which has already opened non-essential retail, has this week begun re-opening is cafes and bars.

Reporting: PA Media Images: Copyright TheIndustry.fashion