The number of empty stores in the UK’s high streets leapt three-fold in just six months as a growing number of retailers were forced out of business by the worsening economic climate.

High-profile casualties such as Woolworths contributed to a rise in vacancy rates from 4 per cent to 12 per cent in the six months to the end of March. Vacancy rates in terms of floorspace are lower, at 10.8 per cent.