Newly self employed workers can now get financial help during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Cash is available for people who started up their business on or after April 6, last year.

Residents can apply directly through the South Ayrshire Council website. 

The scheme has been launched for those who have lost business due to coronavirus and have been hit by financial hardship. 

They are entitled to a one-off £2000 payment if they are not eligible for other Covid-19 business support. 

Urging people to take advantage, Councillor Philip Saxton said: “I would encourage taxi drivers, hairdressers and all people who have started up a business in the last year to apply. It is government funding and it will help in the short-term.”

The Scottish Government is handing out the money – dubbed the Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund. 

The fund was announced on April 30 by Holyrood and applicants must submit supporting documents. 

A South Ayrshire council statement said: “This fund is specifically for self-employed people who started their own business between April 6, 2019 and March 17, 2020 and who have not been able to access support through other COVID-19 schemes.”

It can take up to 10 working days for the money to come through after an application is made and approved.

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