This article was first printed in the Newbury Weekly News on 24/03/2020. Some information may be out of date.

"One of the most generous support schemes for self-employed people anywhere in the world" - Rishi Sunak, 26th March 2020

I think this is the announcement that many of you have been waiting for. A quick explainer:

On Monday 23rd March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation and announced that everyone should stay at home to stop the further spread of the disease within our communities. The following measures will be reviewed after three weeks.

Please see attached my letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, calling for the Treasury to consider some form of temporary hardship support for those self-employed, including - but not limited to - taxi drivers and childminders.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-bu…

The Government announced today further economic measures to protect people's jobs, incomes and strengthen the safety net for the self-employed. I have attached the latest letter I have received from the Treasury and outline the measures  below:

Coronavirus job prevention scheme:

Attached is a document I have received from the Treasury about the support they are currently offering businesses and individuals. I will continue to post updates about these measures as and when they come in.

This statement was released on 18th March 2020 on the Department for Education's website and some information may therefore be out of date. See the page here.

The latest NHS advice on how to protect yourself or check if you need medical advice. This should be your first port of call rather than phoning 111 unless your symptoms are severe:

Attached is the letter I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the need to support local businesses, the self-employed and those facing precarious future employment in the wake of Covid-19's spread.