Petition · past parliament

Include Self Employed in Governments 80% income guarantee for COVID-19 crisis

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

The Government are doing a great service to Businesses and Employees but, as yet, have not put the self employed on an equal footing. The self employed pay taxes, NI and provide vital services to others to contribute toward the overall economy. They, too, should qualify for the 80% income guarantee.
It's simply not fair to segregate employees from the self employed. Self employed individuals are not a burden on the economy. They, too, pay taxes, often in advance, pay national insurance, VAT and provide services that allow others to work to support their families. For example cleaners, driving instructors, carers, councillors and many trades people. Excluding them from the same support that employees and small businesses are being offered is victimisation during the COVID-19 crisis.

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.