Those who are self-employed are to be paid 80% of profits, up to £2,500 a month, to help them cope with coronavirus crisis.
The news comes as many self-employed people have lost business due to the pandemic.
The money will be paid in a single lump sum, but will not begin to arrive in bank accounts until the start of June at the earliest.
They will be able to apply for a grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits over the last three years – up to the maximum of £2,500 a month.
The grants will be available to people in the UK for at least three months.
This scheme does not cover people who only became self-employed in recent times – they will have to consider applying for benefits.
Meanwhile, tonight everyone is asked to come together to clap for the health and social care staff on the frontline who are working tirelessly in the face of adversity.
Join the nation at 8pm tonight to say THANK YOU to all health and social care staff on the frontline, who are working tirelessly across the country in the fight against #coronavirus ???
#NHSThankyou #ClapForOurCarers #ClapforNHS #ClapOurCarers pic.twitter.com/s48F64TM2s— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 26, 2020
