BUSINESSES of all sizes in Wiltshire are beginning to struggle with practicalities as they try to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

"We're completely out of stock of face masks, and can't get more from our usual supplier," Shona Magill, senior carer and trainer at BGS Healthcare, which is based in Notton, near Chippenham, told the Times.

"We're so desperate I'm asking anyone who can help us, either a business who has some in stock or someone who bought masks thinking they would need them and now doesn't, to help us out.

"We've got a duty of care to provide our staff with equipment so they can go on doing their essential jobs, and to protect our clients, all of whom are either elderly or vulnerable.

"I'll go and collect masks from anywhere, or they can be delivered to us - please, if anyone can help, contact me on 07904 494746."

Chancellor Rishi Sunak promised the British people the Government will do whatever it takes to support the UK economy, and that £330bn in loans would be available from next week to help businesses pay for supplies, rent and salaries.

Other measures to be put in place include extended business rates relief for all firms in the hospitality sector and funding grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 for small businesses.

Mortgage lenders will also offer a three-month holiday for people in financial difficulty as a result of the virus.