Although it has been vital for business, it has been hard on workers, an Edinburgh hairdresser said.
Chancellor extends furlough scheme, raises corporation tax and freezes personal tax thresholds.
Kate Forbes calls on UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support Scotland as lockdown measures start to ease in the coming weeks.
Bernard Ponsonby on another u-turn by the UK treasury on furlough.
The Scottish Government says taxing the new £500 payment could mean fewer people apply.
A new job support scheme will replace furlough in November but is only designed to protect jobs deemed 'viable'.
A new job support scheme will see the Treasury help employers cover the full-time wages of people working 'viable' jobs.
Scottish Government analysis found extending the scheme until next June would bring major economic benefits.
Employers who bring back and retain furloughed staff will be in line for a 'job retention bonus' later this year.
Half-price meals will run at participating restaurants from Mondays to Wednesdays next month.
The Federation of Small Businesses said a high street voucher scheme would be an economic 'shot in the arm'.
A total of £97m is coming to Scotland from a UK Government support package for the arts.
The Prime Minister could be asked to self-quarantine again if business secretary Alok Sharma tests positive.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also confirmed employers must start paying towards staff costs from August.
The National Union of Students is calling for greater support for students who have lost part-time jobs.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak described the support package as 'the next step in the economic fight' against Covid-19.
Rishi Sunak refused to commit to an exact day for unveiling the 'incredibly complicated' support measures.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will deliver his first UK Budget later amid calls for additional support and measures to tackle Covid-19.