Include Self Employed in 80% of annual salary pay during the COVID-19 · petition

What the petition asks

The government is offering to pay 80% salary of UK workers who are paid via PAYE. There is a large number of self employed individuals who will only qualify for ESA/UC. Anyone with a valid UTR number should be considered on a individual bases in reference to previous years tax returns.

The UK has over 5 million self employed workers; all not entitled to any sick pay. There has already been an impact on the Events Industry with many exhibitions/experiential campaigns cancelled which has also lead to many people not getting paid. It should be considered on a individual bases in reference to their tax returns.

I hope the government provide support to businesses & individuals struggling at this critical time.

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