THE government will pay self-employed people up to £2,500 per month during the coronavirus outbreak.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined measures during this evening’s daily covid-19 briefing from Downing Street.

Its self-employed income support scheme will see the government pay self-employed workers a grant worth 80 per cent of their average profits per month.

This will be in place for at least the next three months, also the measures - which are capped at £2,500 per month – could be extended longer.

The figure is the same amount as furloughed employees are to receive.

Those making profits of up to £50,000 who receive most of their income from being self-employed will be eligible.

While the funds may not be available until June, the chancellor stated that advance payments could be given within 10 days.

Mr Sunak described the support package as ‘one of the most generous schemes in the world’ and said that 95 per cent of people who rely on self-employment for the majority of their income will benefit.

He added: “We know that people are worrying about their jobs and incomes.

“Working closely with businesses and trade unions, we have put together a plan which is already starting to make a difference.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done so far, but I know that many self-employed people are deeply anxious about the support available to them.

“Through no fault of their own, they risk losing their livelihoods.

“You have not been forgotten, we will not leave you behind – we all stand together.”