I noticed last week a decline in pub punters' numbers, at least in those I attend, and there's been fewer in them this week.

Yesterday and on Wednesday for the first time I noticed a marked decline of shoppers inside Tesco, Iceland and elsewhere. There were far fewer in the streets too. Also their quietness struck me.

Fish and chip shops, takeaways, pubs and restaurants will be the first businesses to shutter as people begin to fasten their financial belt at an increasing rate.