COUNCILLORS in Crewe are warning local businesses are set for another hit when the 'Tier 2' restrictions are in place.

The Labour politicians fear the town's struggling commercial heart will lose more customers after the ban on people mixing with others outside the household in indoor settings - including pubs and restaurants - comes into force tomorrow (Wednesday).

It comes as research by the Institute for Public Policy Research has estimated The Chancellor's employment support programme will only save 230,000 job across the UK, with the looming spectre that around two million people currently in work could become unemployed.

The employment support programme will involve the government subsidising wages up to two thirds in circumstances where it is not safe for individuals to go to work.

Connor Naismith, Chairman of Crewe and Nantwich Labour Party said: "The government is imposing these restrictions at the same time as it is withdrawing financial support.

"Tier 2 restrictions are the worst of all worlds for local businesses who are not legally required to close their doors but whose customers are no longer there as a result of the restrictions.

"When people can pay two thirds of their rent or mortgage and two thirds towards their groceries, perhaps two thirds of their wages will be enough."

Crewe South councillor Laura Smith added: "We all want to see people kept safe from the virus and will support steps to do so where necessary.

"However, restrictions cannot come at the expense of perfectly viable sectors and we need to see the evidence that these restrictions are actually containing the virus and we need to see an exit plan for local restrictions too."