The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (JRS), which will allow employers to furlough workers for 80% of pay up to £2,500 a month, could been seen as an area ripe for exploitation.

Heather Self, partner at Blick Rothenberg, said: ‘With the speed at which things are having to be developed, the policies are going to be rough around the edges initially.

‘We have already seen that with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which has raised questions and we are expecting more guidance in due course.

‘We know that the Treasury and HMRC are working incredibly hard on this, with input from the professional bodies, who in turn are working collaboratively and stepping up to the plate to help the government.