Include the self-employed in the 80% income protection measures. · petition

What the petition asks

In light of the new commitment to covering 80% of employees wages, self-employed will have no income protection and will have to sign-up for Universal Credit or statutory sick pay. This petition is to bring self-employed protection in line with those who are employed.

So far, self-employed people, especially sole-traders, have had no reassurance that they could continue to trade during this period of hardship. They are faced with making the decision between working and applying for Universal Credit while thousands of employees jobs and salaries will be protected. The self-employed must also have 80% of their annual pay protected in order to support this important part of the economy who are extremely at risk.

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