The British government introduced a new bonus scheme on Wednesday that it hopes will limit the anticipated spike in unemployment as a result of the pandemic and announced a series of support measures for hard-pressed firms in the tourism and hospitality sectors, according to AP.

Treasury chief Rishi Sunak said his latest major intervention is aimed at weaning the UK economy off emergency measures announced when the country was put into lockdown in March, while at the same time protecting and generating as many jobs as possible during the recession.

"People need to know that although hardship lies ahead, no-one will be left without hope," he told socially distanced lawmakers.

In his statement, Sunak outlined incentives for businesses to retain and hire staff, funding for training and environmental projects, some tax cuts, particularly for those in tourism and hospitality, and a new Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme.