Petition · past parliament

Self Employed to receive 80% of average earnings during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

Ensure the self employed are entitled to the same financial help as those employed, during the Coronavirus Pandemic, to ensure Small Businesses and Soletraders do not collapse, and provide families with financial security. HMRC to calculate 'average earnings' using the last 3 years self assessments.
The current offering of the equivalent to SSP for self employed (particularly small businesses that do not operate from a premises and sole traders) during the Coronavirus pandemic is not sufficient, nor comparable to what is offered to those in employed jobs. If the self employed are not given appropriate support then many businesses are set to collapse and leave families with incredible financial struggles.

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

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Rejected
Rejected 27 Mar 2020

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.