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<p>Throughout this crisis, the government has sought to protect people’s jobs and
livelihoods while also supporting businesses and public services across the UK. To
do this, the government has put in place an economic package of support which will
provide businesses and individuals with certainty over the coming months, even as
measures to prevent further spread of the virus change. The government has spent over
£280 billion this year to provide this support.</p><p> </p><p>The Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme (CJRS) was introduced to help employers whose operations have been
affected by COVID-19 retain their employees and protect the UK economy. All businesses
across the UK can access the scheme, which will run until the end of April 2021, with
employees receiving 80% of their usual salary for hours not worked, up to £2,500 per
month. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will also run until the end
of April.</p><p> </p><p>Local authorities will receive an additional £500 million,
to a total of £1.6 billion, of discretionary funding through the Additional Restrictions
Grant to allow them to support their local businesses, including businesses that are
adversely impacted but not forced to close by COVID-19 restrictions.</p><p> </p><p>Businesses
have also received billions in loans, tax deferrals, Business Rates relief, and general
and sector-specific grants. Individuals and families have benefited from increased
welfare payments, enhanced Statutory Sick Pay, a stay on repossession proceedings
and mortgage holidays.</p>
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