Allow Self Employed Sole Traders to claim 80% of their average annual income · petition

What the petition asks

Allow Self Employed Sole Traders to claim 80% of their average annual income due to loss of earnings caused by the Corona Virus Epidemic. The income should be calculated by finding the average earnings from the last 3 years. The weekly income support should last 3 months and be reviewed regularly.

Whilst businesses have been strongly supported by the government during these times, Sole Traders and Self Employed people have not been given adequate financial backing from the government to help them and their families survive. £90 a week sick pay does not cover living costs for families. We should be offered the same help as those that are employed. Our outgoings and living costs are no different to those that are employed, and what we can claim should reflect that.

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