Self-employed grants return

The 1-minute read to get the money news you need with expert adviser commentary.

Help for freelancers

Self-employed workers will get a grant for up to 80% of their profits during November’s month-long national lockdown. That’s double the amount that’s currently up for grabs. Applications will open at the end of November, and it’ll work the same as the previous scheme - to claim, you’ll need to earn at least half your income from freelance work.

Mass testing

The entire population of Liverpool can get weekly coronavirus tests under a new pilot scheme that starts on Friday. NHS staff will deliver the tests alongside 2,000 members of the military. If it goes well, mass testing could be rolled out to the rest of the country by Christmas and could be a game-changer in efforts to slow the spread.

Late night shopping

Shops, hairdressers, and restaurants are open late this week to try and cram in last-minute business before the new lockdown rules come in on Thursday. Some shops have seen their sales hit double their usual levels in the last few days, and restaurant Gaucho said bookings were up 300% on Sunday.

Down the drain

Pubs and breweries have warned that they’ll have to throw beer away, as the new rules mean they won’t be able to sell takeaway pints on their premises. Wetherspoons is dealing with their glut of real ales by offering 99p pints until Wednesday.