BUSINESS owners in the food industry have welcomed the Government's plan to pay 80 per cent of staff wages.

The drastic measures were announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak last week to ease growing concerns about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now ordered all restaurants and cafes to close to aid the new social distancing measures put in place to slow the spread of the virus.

Mohim Uddin, who owns the Ruby takeaway in Braintree High Street, said the grant offered by the Government had helped ease the pressure on his business.

The Ruby is continuing to offer its usual takeaway service but has put in increased hygiene measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Mr Uddin said: "These are very uncertain times for everyone but the safety of all our staff and customers is most important.

"Having that grant from the Government has been a weight off my shoulders and it's easier for me to make choices for the future.

"I want to thank the community for supporting us in the last week and I want them to know we can help them too. If people are self-isolating or can't get out, we want to be able to help in whatever way we can."

Mr Uddin says he is confident his business can continue to operate and can remain afloat despite increased social-distancing measures.

But he admits others may not be so fortunate and says the impact of Covid-19 is already have a big impact.

He added: "The High Street has been so quiet in the last few days.

"Seeing the town so empty is heartbreaking and you can feel the soul of the town centre dying. It's going to be a difficult few months ahead for everyone."

Chophouse owner Rob Ely has meanwhile confirmed the closure of his restaurant. He says a new takeaway service launched last week proved successful but says he felt it was his moral duty to suspend the business altogether as the number of Covid-19 cases hit the 5,000 mark.

He said: "It got to the point where I just couldn't be 100 per cent sure it was safe. The restaurant was absolutely dead last week before the Government said they all had to close.

"I think we could have kept running the takeway but it didn't feel right.

"I have put all staff on the minimum wage but no one has lost their job.

"I take my hat off to the Government for stepping in and offering to pay 80 per cent. It will make a big difference."

The new Toast cafe in Braintree High Street, which Mr Ely co-owns, has also suspended trading and is not offering a takeaway service.

He says is remains hopeful both businesses will be able to start re-trading when the Government says it is safe to do so.