Some businesses can open up, why aren't they allowed
They are allowed, they choose not to. Presumably because it's cheaper to have their staff on furlough than provide a limited service.
An independent hardware store has just reopened in my town this week but it was allowed to be open the whole time.
Robert Dyas could be open and isn't.
WH Smith could be open and isn't.
A dry cleaners could be open and isn't.
Only explanation is it's cheaper to let the taxpayer subside wages, take the business rate holiday etc.
Not what furlough was for in my view. I thought it was to keep businesses afloat that were not allowed to open like non-essential shops, hospitality etc.
And yes women are being thrown under the bus to protect men. What's new.