Coronavirus updates: Self-employed support revealed as police given new powers
See all the latest updates on the coronavirus crisis from across the region.
Self-employed workers will be able to claim support worth 80 per cent of their average monthly profits in an “unprecedented” move to cover the impact of coronavirus, the Chancellor has announced.
Rishi Sunak said the move – worth up to a maximum of £2,500 a month – would cover 95 per cent of self-employed workers.
Meanwhile the police have been given the power to arrest or fine members of the public who flout the lockdown rules.
A £60 fine could be issued initially before being upped to £120 for a second offence.
Locally, tributes have been paid to a former councillor who died while in self-isolation, and Chief Superintendent Tom Harding from West Mercia Police has promised random checks will be carried out.
Key developments:
Self-employed workers promised 80 per cent of average profits by government.
Police given new powers to arrest or fine people who ignore lockdown laws.
Criminals who deliberately cough at police officers while claiming to have coronavirus could face up to two years in jail.
The Prince of Wales has thanked the public for the hundreds of get well messages he has received.
See the latest updates here:
These updates are no longer being added to.
