This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Rejected petition Include Self Employed in Governments 80% income guarantee for COVID-19 crisis
The Government are doing a great service to Businesses and Employees but, as yet, have not put the self employed on an equal footing. The self employed pay taxes, NI and provide vital services to others to contribute toward the overall economy. They, too, should qualify for the 80% income guarantee.
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It's simply not fair to segregate employees from the self employed. Self employed individuals are not a burden on the economy. They, too, pay taxes, often in advance, pay national insurance, VAT and provide services that allow others to work to support their families. For example cleaners, driving instructors, carers, councillors and many trades people. Excluding them from the same support that employees and small businesses are being offered is victimisation during the COVID-19 crisis.
This petition was rejected
Why was this petition rejected?
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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.