Rejected petition Extend 80% Emergency Wage Relief to the Self Employed

Another petition has called on the government to extend statutory sick pay to self employed workers, but this doesn't go far enough. The government's vow to cover 80% of private sector employees' wages up to £2,500pm must be extended to help the self-employed.

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There are nearly 5 million self-employed people in the UK who need and deserve equal support to those who are employed. Government must act with a focus not just on the interests and preservation of businesses, but people.

If it's fair and reasonable for HMRC to calculate and demand payments on account from the previous year's tax return, it's equally fair to assume this as a regular average salary and cover it to 80% with a cap of £2,500pm, as has been promised to employed workers.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

We can't publish petitions when the request is something that's already happening or something that has been announced since you started your petition.

We think your petition is covered by Government or Parliament action already. If you'd like something else, you could start a new petition clearly explaining what it is.

Since this petition was started, the Government has said that most self-employed people can claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months.

You can find out who is eligible and how to apply here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

You can read the Government’s announcement here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-gives-support-to-millions-of-self-employed-individuals

You can find out what other Government support is available for people as a result of coronavirus (under the section on employment and financial support) here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

You can find out more about coronavirus and how you can protect yourself and others here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

You can read NHS tips to help if you are worried about coronavirus here: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 21 March 2020
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