Pay the self employed 80% of their average income to cover them during this time · petition

What the petition asks

It's great that you're promising to pay 80% of the wages of employees to ensure they don't lose their jobs. But many self employed people have lost their income for the foreseeable future due solely to Coronavirus. So, like in many other countries, we also want you to cover 80% of our income

Many self employed people have lost all their work due to Coronavirus. Entire industries have had to shut down, causing people to lose thousands of pounds in what was previously guaranteed income. And now many of us have to stay at home and home school our kids as the schools have closed indefinitely, meaning we cannot look for other work. We must have an income to pay mortgages, rent, bills, food etc. Why should an employee get 80% of their wages paid but a self employed person not?

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

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