An accountant has spoken of his fears for the future of thousands of businesses due to the drop in footfall to town centres from office workers.

Paul Hornby, managing director of accountants JF Hornby Ltd, in Ulverston, believes a "seismic change" in the way office-based employees work will continue to have a profound effect on retailers.

He fears many businesses reliant on high footfall from office complexes will be faced with financial challenges which may ultimately be insurmountable.

He said: “The recession we predicted is now upon us - and my fear is that it will be some time before we see a full correction.

“The businesses which will find it hardest to weather the storm in my view, are those which rely on high street footfall.

“There has been a seismic shift in the way many businesses operate, with variable shift patterns introduced, more people working from home and fewer people in town and city centre office complexes.

"That means a reduction in footfall, leaving cafes, food businesses and general retail shops with the same overheads to meet, but less in the way of trade.”

Staff at JF Hornby have been working with businesses across the North West to help them try to survive the economic downturn.

Paul said: "We deal with hundreds of small businesses and many of them are fearful for the future.

"It is difficult right now for them to see a point when trading will return to pre-Covid levels.

"Unfortunately, we will inevitably see some of these businesses cease to trade."