Guarantee 80% of earnings for self-employed, freelancers and gig economy workers · petition

What the petition asks

The self-employed, freelancers and gig economy workers pay taxes, just as the employed do. As a matter of principle, we call on government to guarantee 80% earnings of the self-employed, freelancers and gig economy workers, based on an average of the past three years, treating all taxpayers equally.

This model has been adopted by other countries, in response to the increasingly serious and widespread financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), across all social strata. There is no reason that this model should not also be implemented by the British Government. Whatever your designation - self-employed, freelance, member of the gig economy, employee or employer, we are equal as workers, equal as taxpayers, equal as citizens of a state, and should be equally supported by our government.

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