A COUNTY accounting firm has welcomed support for businesses announced by the government.

Alistair Hayward-Wright, from Hayward Wright Accountancy Group, said chancellor Rishi Sunak's £330 billion resuce package for businesses will help firms get through the coronavirus crisis.

He said: "The most important thing for any employer at the moment, after following government advice to stay home, is that they keep accurate, up to date records.

"They’re going to need them to be able to claim the support they’ve been promised.

“This intervention is timely, temporary and targeted at those most in need.

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"The government won’t want to be doing this for a long time because the country can’t afford it, but it also can’t afford to let so many employers fail.”

The historic measures announced earlier this month include a 100 per cent business rates discount for the year 2020-21 for retailers, hospitality and leisure premises in England, further grants to councils to support small businesses, and a repayment mechanism for sick pay claimed until mid-November.

There is also a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme which will see the government act as guarantor so that lenders continue to provide loans to small businesses.

Employees who are furloughed and cannot work will have 80 per cent of their wages, up to £2,500 a month, covered by the government as long as their employers do not make them redundant.

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Other measures include cancelling VAT payments between 30 March and 30 June and deferring income tax payments due by the end of July to the end of January 2021.

On March 27, the Chancellor announced further new measures to support the self-employed who are now able to apply for a grant worth 80 per cent of their average monthly profits from over the past three years to help them cope.

It is believed the schemes will support 95 per cent of the self-employed.

Hayward Wright, headquartered in Redditch and with clients across Worcestershire, is drawing county employers and firms’ attention to the key parts of the government intervention, which has seen the taxpayer take on the responsibility of paying the wages of those who cannot work.

County businesses are being offered a range of options for advice and support during coronavirus.

Organisations including the Worcestershire LEP and Chamber of Commerce are offering online help and guidance.