A BURNHAM-on-Sea businessman said he is fearful for the future of his business and feels firms like his have been 'forgotten' by the Government during the coronavirus crisis.

Stuart Nichols, who runs a cleaning business and a carpet company from his home in Lympsham, said 95 per cent of his work has stopped and claims he does not qualify for Government funding as he does not have a premises for his business.

In a bid to keep money coming in, Stuart took a job as a security guard but claims he had to give it up due to his partner, who is seven months pregnant, being classed as at high risk of catching the virus.

The father of five's comments come after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £330bn package of measures to support small businesses.

He said: "A whole layer of businesses have been forgotten by the Government.

"Government grants have been put in place for businesses paying business rates.

"My employees will get 80 per cent of their wages via PAYE but I won't get any wages myself.

"I'm going to struggle to pay the 80 per cent wages to my employed staff as a small business we dont have many reserves.

"I hope government pay the 80 per cent for wages as soon as possible

"I will not get any support from the Government as I do not have a premises for my business, I run it all from home.

"I feel like businesses like mine have been forgotten by the Government as there is currently no support out there for us."

Stuart said he is is worried for the future of his business and wants the Government to offer more support to people in his situation.

He said he has contacted his local MP James Heappey for help but has not received a response.

"Small limited companies that operate from home have been missed off the system and get no help with operating costs," Stuart said.

"These are small businesses such as cleaning, building etc with a handful of staff which have overheads which need to be paid to keep afloat government grants have been put in place for businesses paying business rates.

"Coronavirus is having a real impact on my business already and I am really worried for the future.

"I hope the Government will put more measures in place to help people in my situation."

James Heappey, MP for Wells, said: "The Government has put in place £350billion worth of support for businesses and their employees.

"Details of this support can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

"Where businesses feel the support is incomplete or are struggling to access the support, we are ready to assist."

The Weekly News has contacted HM Treasury for comment.