Business groups are urging the government to support the UK's army of self-employed workers in the same way that it has backed company employees.

Last week, chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak announced that the government would pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wiltshire Police have reminded firms whose staff are relocating from business premises to homes to take extra security steps against cybercriminals.

"Due to the advancement of the coronavirus and subsequent advice from the Government, employees are increasingly encouraged to work from home or remotely, where possible," says the force's cybercrime unit.

Wiltshire Council has pledged to do "all it can" to protect businesses and safeguard jobs in the county.

The promise was made as the authority launched its own response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Independent family brewer and pub operator Wadworth has launched its very own virtual pub to keep the pub experience alive – online.

The coronavirus outbreak meant people were advised to stay away from pubs before the government ordered the closure of pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs.

I've been trying not to overuse the word 'unprecedented' – so... we go. We are all running businesses in the most unusual circumstances. Many of us have staff working remotely, or higher-than-normal levels of staff absence through sickness or self-isolation. Lots of us will be worried that customers are no longer coming to their door, even if that door is virtual. And a bunch of us – whether used to, or adjusting to, working from home – now have to care for our children while we try to work.

When The Chartered Institute for IT was forced to pull the plug on a conference for 250 educators and employers due to the Coronavirus outbreak there was only one thing to do with the unwanted lunches – donate them to the homeless.

Swindon-based BCS was forced to cancel its Skills for a Digital World 2020 event at The International Convention Centre in Birmingham.