Families reunited as support bubbles are introduced

This year’s Father’s Day on Sunday could be one of the most important ever – as families from across the UK are set to reunite as part of the government’s announcement around ‘support bubbles’. This weekend, thousands of families will gather for the first time since lockdown as new research out today reveals that over 4 in 10 Brits (41%) say that the lockdown-period was the longest they have ever gone without seeing their parents.

The research, commissioned by Not on the High Street, also shows that nearly half of Brits (45%) have gone over 50 days without seeing them, whilst the average is over a whole month – 32 days.

As the public reunite and begin to gift love ones in person again, they are being urged to support small businesses who have also faced a lonely period – 41% of UK adults claim that they didn’t shop with any small businesses during lockdown and over half of small businesses now fear they are at risk of closure in the next 12 months.  The small businesses who have traded online in lockdown have responded quickly to allow customers to stay connected with loved ones by creating thoughtful and unique gifts to show how much they care.  With the high street reopening this week, the public are being encouraged to shop small ahead of Father’s Day in a bid to offer all small businesses a much-needed boost this year. 

Amongst those who will be buying presents for their Father, the average spend will be £40.60 – an amount that would help support the future of small businesses, particularly as lockdown eases this week. 

Johnny discussed this research with Dr Rowan Myron, family psychologist:

Image by Nikoline Arns on Unsplash