Hundreds of businesses and thousands of shops have had to close their doors over the past fortnight, sending workers home for the foreseeable future.
Bars, retailers and coffee shop chains have had to close on Government orders, but in many cases, offices have also shut due to a sudden drop in demand.
As a result, many firms have applied for funding through the Government's employee retention scheme, which will cover their staff's wages for at least two months.
Under the scheme, the Treasury will pay 80% of staff earnings until June, while the employer will pay 20%. However the contribution caps at £2,500, equivalent to the average UK salary of £30,000, which means some people will have to take a pay cut as they head home until further