BUSINESSES in Wales affected by the rapid spread of the omicron variant will be eligible for emergency financial support under a new Welsh government support package.

Economy minister Vaughan Gething announced today the £120 million funding available for businesses in the retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors and their supply chains.

From 6am on Boxing Day, a revised version of alert level two is being introduced which will see groups of no more than six people allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants.

The two-metre social distancing rules are set to return in public places and workplaces.

Outdoor events will be limited to 50 people, with 30 indoors – but numbers able to attend events such as weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and wakes will be determined by the size of the venue.

Under the latest package, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses who pay non-domestic rates will be entitled to a payment of £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000 depending on their rateable value.

Businesses will need to re-register their details online with their local authority in order to receive their payments.