Later today the government is expected to present a string of measures to shore up the economy and to help hundreds of thousands of freelancers who have lost work because of coronavirus.

The aviation sector, cut flower industry, hospitality and the cultural sector are among those which have been so far severely affected by the developing crisis.

Sources in The Hague told broadcaster NOS that freelancers may be given easier access to welfare benefits if they find themselves without an income because of the closure of theatres, cinemas, cafes and bars.

The current fall-back for freelancers excludes people on zero hour contracts.

Employers organisations have been involved in the talks with ministers and Hans de Boer, chairman of the VNO-NCW, said there is more cash available than the €90bn already mentioned by the government.

‘No country in Europe is a solvent as the Netherlands, nor has such deep pockets,’ he told NOS.

The government is also expected to say more about the consequences of the coronavirus outbreak on school leaving exams, which take place in the spring.