Airbnb has announced that it is temporarily restricting all booking across the UK to coronavirus key workers, such as NHS and social care staff, and transport and food retail employees. 

The company said the measure would last until at least 18 April.

The decision comes in response to government criticism aimed at letting customers who were describing their properties as being “Covid-19 retreats” and “perfect for isolating with family” on the website.

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston described this as being “irresponsible and dangerous”.

Airbnb has now responded by launching a Frontline Stays programme, designed to provide up to 100,000 healthcare staff and first-responders with accommodation close to their patients and a safe distance away from their own families.

Government rules state that tourism-related accommodation should only be provided to key workers needing to self-isolate during the pandemic.