SUPPORT for self-employed workers during the coronavirus outbreak has been welcomed.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on Thursday that a new support package for self-employed people would match that of permanent staff in covering 80 per cent of average earnings over the past three years.

Following the announcement Economy, Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: “The Chancellor’s announcement this evening is to be warmly welcomed.

"It will provide huge relief for hundreds of thousands of people in Wales who are self-employed.

"Of course, details are emerging about how the scheme will operate and we will be looking very closely at what gaps there are that individuals may fall through.

"We will also be looking at how the cross-sector, cross-Government fund which we will be announcing as a matter of urgency in the coming days matches seamlessly with the support that’s been announced by the UK Government today for the self-employed and the Job Retention Scheme announced last week.”

The news was also welcomed by Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes, who said: "So many residents have been in touch with me over the last few days concerned about loss of income.

"Today's announcement was clear – the Government will support everyone through this crisis.

"I’m so glad to hear that self-employed workers will be benefiting from Government support too, so that we can all get through this crisis together.

“For anyone who has queries or concerns about tonight’s announcement or if there’s anything else I can help with, please do get in touch with me at simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk.”