From the Council:

We have also been actively encouraging businesses to take advantage of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which will see the Government pay 80 per cent of employee’s salaries up to £2,500 per month to maintain employment and support their workforce. Claims can be made here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Lobbying the Government to assist the self-employed has been another key priority and we are now directing sole traders in County Durham to information about the support being offered through HRMC. Applications can be made here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme