Pay self employed people 80% of their turnover based on previous tax returns. · petition

What the petition asks

I would like for the government to offer to pay 80% of turnover for self employed people who are unable to continue working due to the coronavirus outbreak, based on their previous tax returns.

The government has already offered to pay 80% of wages to the employed sector in order to assist businesses in paying their staff through a downturn in trade due to the coronavirus outbreak. The self employed also need assistance to support their business. The current offer of £94 a week from universal credit will not even cover business expenses, let alone rent, mortgages, utilities and food for families. The self employed deserve the same treatment as PAYE employees to ensure their survival.

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