SELF-EMPLOYED people in Barrow and Dalton have welcomed new government support.

Yesterday the chancellor Rishi Sunak announced an emergency package of financial support for the five million people in the UK who are self-employed.

Support for companies had already been confirmed but those working for themselves had flagged their fears for their future income.

These included hairdressers, taxi drivers, plumbers and child-minders.

Support announced yesterday for the self-employed includes paying 80 per cent of average monthly profits over the last two years up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.

The financial support will be provided for at least three months but Mr Sunak said this will be extended 'for longer if necessary'.

The government said the latest support will help around 95 per cent of the self-employed but will exclude high-earners.

However it is likely individuals will need to wait until June to receive any payments.

One Dalton hairdresser, who asked not to be named, welcomed the announcement.

"It's a massive relief to know we've not been forgotten," the 41-year-old said.

"But this doesn't address the problems people have been experiencing in getting through to the helplines."

Barrow taxi driver Bob Mullen expressed similar concerns.

"A lot of taxi drivers have tried getting in touch with the government's help schemes but they've been overwhelmed with calls so it's hard to get through," he said.