The new funding is aimed at businesses that are struggling to attract customers because of restrictions on social interactions, even if the government doesn't order them to close.

It comes just a month after Sunak unveiled his previous "job protection" plan, which business owners said was so inadequate that it gave them an incentive to lay off workers rather than keep them on the payroll.

"There are difficult days and weeks ahead but we will get through this together," Sunak told the House of Commons on Thursday.

"People are not on their own. We have an economic plan that will protect the jobs and livelihoods of the British people wherever they live and whatever their situation."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is banking on a three-tiered, regional strategy to control the coronavirus pandemic without resorting to a country-wide lockdown that it says would devastate the economy.

Cities in northern England, where infection rates are highest, have resisted efforts to move them into the highest level of restrictions because they say government promises of financial support aren't enough to protect businesses and individuals.

Britain is facing Europe's deadliest coronavirus outbreak, with almost 44,000 confirmed deaths.

After the pandemic eased during the northern summer months, infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths are now rising across the country.

In the highest-risk areas of England, pubs have been ordered to close, people are barred from mixing with members of other households and travel in and out of the area is discouraged.

Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have implemented their own control measures under the UK's system of devolved authority.

Australian Associated Press