Extend 80% income protection to childminders and all other self-employed people · petition

What the petition asks

How can it be right that a childminder earning £25000 will be 5x poorer than employees on the same income? We welcome 80% income protection for those who cannot work because of Corona virus and statutory sick pay for the self employed. But these are hugely unequal benefits. Equality4selfemployed

The country is facing massive economic uncertainty. The Chancellor's announcements in the PM briefing 20/03 were a huge step forward for businesses and employees, but our economy relies on self employed workers. Statutory sick pay is not enough to pay the bills through months of unemployment. The choice for childminders is to ignore the guidance, remain open and endanger others or face eviction. We must do more to protect them and our vital self employed workforce during these difficult times.

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