Ensure parity for self employed, low paid & zero hour workers, with the employed · petition

What the petition asks

Ensure the multitude of Self employed, low paid and zero hour workers, who make up a large percentage of the UK's productivity, that are unable to work due to covid-19, incomes are supported to the same level as the Government has announced for employed workers - ie 80% of their usual income.

To protect the livelihoods and standards of living of the self employed, workers below SSP thresholds and those on zero hour contracts by paying them 80% of their usual income, upto the same maximum as the Government has for those in 'employment', thus ensuring parity and that those workers can continue to contribute to the UK economy once they are able to work again post COVID-19.

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