The UK Government has said that public authorities, including councils, schools, government departments and hospitals, should keep paying suppliers even if services are scaled back or suspended. New guidance from the Cabinet Office says that payments should continue for “at least” three months, while suppliers have been warned that action will be taken to recover payments from companies found to be “taking undue advantage, or failing in their duty to act transparently and with integrity.” Firms seeking payment can be asked to reveal data such as accounts forecasts to prove that they are paying staff salaries on time. Michael Gove, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “This will make sure companies do not collapse, people do not lose their jobs and they are ready to operate at full pace again when this crisis is over.”