This evening, the Prime Minister and Chancellor outlined the next phase on the steps being untaken to help workers whose livelihoods have been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak and new measures to stem the spread of the disease.
Closure of Cafés, pubs and bars:
The PM – Boris Johnson – announced that Cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas and gyms across the UK have been told to close this evening – on Friday night – and not reopen – although food & beverage establishments can offer takeaway services. Read more here
Mr Johnson said people should not go out on Friday night to such venues and said people should stay at home “to protect the NHS and save lives”
Transport network:
Mr Johnson also said that shutting down major transport networks was not on his agenda saying it’s “too important for the delivery of crucial public services” although some changes to bus and rail timetables are being introduced.
Financial support for workers:
- Chancellor Rishi Sunak says the government will step in to help pay people’s wages through a coronavirus job retention scheme. Read more here
- Businesses can apply for a grant of up to £2,500 a month to cover 80% of salary for those retained but not working
- He also says VAT for all businesses is being deferred until the end of June and the business loan scheme will now be interest free for 12 months
- Universal Credit allowance increases £1,000 a year and the next tax self assessments will be deferred until the start of next year
- He also announces the self-employed will get full Universal Credit at a rate equivalent to statutory sick pay, and a further £1bn to cover 30% of house rental costs
- Mr Sunak promises further measures next week to ensure larger and medium sized businesses will be able to access the credit they need
Catch up on the full press call here