Supermarket bosses should look in the mirror and ask: am I proud of what I’m doing?

Not only were they allowed to stay open during the pandemic, when independents had to close and businesses went bust, but the big supermarkets also benefitted from the business rates holiday, writes Chris Blackhurst

Supermarket chains have benefitted to the tune of more than £1bn from the relief (PA)

This week, I needed a greeting card to send to a relative. Normally, I would go to the local gift shop that has a good selection. Shut. Likewise, the book shop that also sells cards.

I popped into Sainsbury’s and while their choice was dismal they had one that would do. Mark that up as another bit of revenue for the supermarket giant selling “essentials” while the independents that make their living from “non-essentials” are fighting for their lives.

This would be the Sainsbury’s that is refusing to pay anything back to the public purse having enjoyed a business rates holiday while at the same time cashing in on the fact they’ve remained open throughout the pandemic while other, less fortunate, retailers have been forced to close.