Millions in UK 'could slip through virus wage safety net'

Some self-employed workers and high earners at risk despite subsidy plan, warn thinktanks

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Millions of people across Britain risk falling through gaps in the coronavirus wage subsidy plan and benefits system, according to two of the country's leading economics thinktanks.

After ministers hurriedly pulled together plans to increase the level of financial aid available from the state as the Covid-19 outbreak intensifies, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said many self-employed workers would still get no support, while others would be left financially better off as a result of the crisis.

Income subsidies