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Half a million small businesses are closing their doors for the two-week period over Christmas, which is the highest figure since the 1990s.

Near ten per cent of the small, non-retail, businesses in the UK have closed for the full 14 days, according to research from the Federation of Small Business (FSB).

According to the organisation, it is the highest number to take a long Christmas break since the early 1990s.

Stephen Alambritis, a spokesperson for the FSB, says this year companies are motivated to shut down by the potential cost savings in electricity and fuel bills.

'Obviously small retailers won't be closing, but small manufacturers and self-employed workers such as electricians and plumbers will be downing tools,' he states.

The Daily Mail reports some firms have chosen to close their business until January 19th, sending workers home for an extended break.

Many retailers are choosing to begin their sales on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day this year, to improve takings.

Some shops will launch their traditional post-Christmas sales online to lure people into buying when shops are usually closed.

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