Increase financial aid for self employed people during the coronavirus pandemic · petition

What the petition asks

Increase the amount of money available to self employed people during the coronavirus.

80% of their income (limited to £2500 a month) from last year only seems fair, as this is being guaranteed for all people who are employed.

Today, the government announced that during the coronavirus pandemic, companies will receive funding to ensure that all employees will recieve 80% of their salaries (limited to £2500 a month).

However, self employed people will only receive universal credit (£94.25 a week).

Self employed people pay the same amount of tax as everyone else, and most self employed people will not be able to work until this pandemic is over. They need help, and £94.25 a week won't cut it.

Why it was rejected

The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.

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

Timeline

20 Mar 2020	Petition opened for signatures
27 Mar 2020	Rejected by the Petitions Committee