Business rates rise would put hundreds of big shops at risk, say UK retailers

Trinity shopping centre in Leeds. The surcharge could apply to 4,000 large retail outlets, according to the British Retail Consortium Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

Up to 400 large shops are at risk of closure with as many as 100,000 jobs at risk if the government goes ahead with plans to hit stores with higher business rates, retailers have warned.

Some of the UK’s largest retail premises, including supermarkets and department stores, would face higher property tax charges under new rules being considered by the government before November’s budget.