ANALYSTS and forecasters are predicting today's (Thursday, 26 March) government announcements will include a positive outcome to concerns of sel-employed people.

That may come as a relief to those who are somewhat controversially having to go to work in the construction industry - see yesterday's Thurrock Nub News report.

It is being predicted across informed national media that Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce reveal a multibillion-pound bailout to compensate more than two million self-employed workers hit by the coronavirus lickdown, paying money into people's bank accounts to reimburse them for losses.

Officials are reported to have come up with plans which will mean people's income being assessed on the basis of a "blended" mixture of their revenues and profits over the past three years. They would then be paid a significant proportion of their usual income up to a capped amount, possibly £1,700 a month.

The scheme will be designed to ensure that wealthier people who are self-employed such as lawyers and TV presenters are not able to take advantage. The scheme mean is expected to mean those earning more than £50,000 a year would not be able to benefit.

Analysts suggest the scheme will be administered by HM Revenue & Customs, which will set up a website to ask people for their bank details. They will not be expected to provide proof that their incomes have been reduced by the coronavirus outbreak. It is likely to be ready by the end of April.