THURROCK businesses, shops and restaurants are planning how they will re-open once lockdown measures are relaxed, but it won't be straightforward for some businesses.

Social distancing is expected to remain in place until at least the end of the year, which will be challenging for those that can't avoid close human contact.

Joseph Graham, the owner of a hair salon in Stanford-le-Hope, is feeling "uncertain" about the future. He said the government's help for self-employed people hasn't been readily available.

"It's been difficult, it's unprecedented. There are rumours flying around that it could be for around six months, so it's just trying to predict everything," he said.

Mr Graham plans for his staff to wear face masks, aprons and gloves when they open, and work longer hours so they have time to sanitise between clients.

However, he is concerned about access to PPE for businesses: "We are trying to purchase it where we can, but everywhere is sold out. Our local village shop is selling hand sanitiser for £10, so everything has gone up in price."

"Kind of a sitting duck"

The owner of Gemma's Mobile Hairdressing based in South Ockendon is also worried about the prospect of lockdown lasting longer. She has a family to provide for but will have to wait until June to receive government support.

Gemma Pinder said: "I'm kind of just a bit of a sitting duck waiting to find out what's happening.

"It does feel a bit unfair, because I've been really good and kept to my books for the last 10 years. I do understand it is a difficult situation though, so I think they're doing all they can."

Meanwhile, a local takeaway is planning to open again on Wednesday, 6 May. The Little Chippy on the Broadway in Grays closed last month to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

To prevent the spread of Covid-19, a solid screen has been installed and notices asking customers to keep a distance of two metres will be displayed on walls.

Additionally, they have signed up to Uber Eats and Deliveroo to offer a contactless delivery

service.

Tony Callum runs the Freshfill cafe on Orsett Road in Grays and while he says being at home is 'driving me batty' - he thinks it would be foolish to rush into a return.

He was also full of praise for Thurrock Council - saying that he 'doesn't know what we would have done without them. They were brilliant'.

Tony told Thurrock Nub News: "The way our business works is three pronged, we have the cafe, we have rounds where we take food out to companies and businesses and we do a buffet delivery service.

"Obviously all three have gone - most of the places where we deliver to have laid off their workers so the customers just aren't there.

"The good thing is that I am sure they will be there when we return to normal. We did run a takeaway service for a while at the beginning but as people were put in lockdown and stayed at home, not at work, there was little demand."

Praise for Thurrock Council

Tony employs three members of staff at the cafe who he has been able to keep paying a wage to thanks to the government's furlough scheme - for which he is very grateful.

"I'm just thankful I have effectively been able to keep the girls on. When news of the scheme came out my accountant contacted Thurrock Council straight away, they were very helpful and we got things sorted and the money as in the bank straight away. I couldn't fault it, they have been brilliant and I am very grateful."

However, Tony thinks patience will be be a virtue in terms of starting up his business again.

"The way I see it, there's no point in rushing back and then it all starts all over again. Let's be patient and see it through.

"When the time is right I will be in touch with the girls and see if they are happy to go back. I value my staff and I want to make sure they are all right. I want to get back to work, it's driving me batty being at home, but there's no point in being silly about it."

The lockdown review takes place in two weeks, until then most high-street shops will remain

closed.