Rejected petition Amend the Government workers’ support package to not penalise the gig economy

The Government is helping employers pay 80% of their employee's wages but the self-employed and agency workers should too be provided the same financial assistance to cover their loss of income due to COVID-19. The Government states those struggling can apply for Universal Credit.

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But not every self-employed person or worker will be eligible for Universal Credit due to their individual circumstances as it is a mean-tested benefit (which factors in income and capital). Yet, employees income and capital is being disregarded and are being financially assisted.

The Government are penalising the self-employed and agency workers and in fact encouraging them to go to work and run the risk of carrying and spreading COVID-19.

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.

Date submitted 21 March 2020
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