Petition · past parliament · HM Treasury

Remove the 50% Self Employed Rule for those with a P45 dated before UK Lockdown

Closed 231 signatures

What the petition asks

The SEISS requires trading profits to be at least equal to non-trading income. This is 'to ensure it is targeted at those who are most reliant on self-employment income.'

However, thousands are excluded who ARE fully reliant on self employment income, after leaving PAYE jobs prior to UK lockdown.
I am a self employed wedding photographer. In August 2019, I made the decision to leave my PAYE job as my business was excelling.

For 1 year and 2 months, I have been 100% reliant on my self-employed income. I, and many others falling through the same gap, are therefore 'most reliant on self-employment income'.

We are requesting a change in the eligibility or a new grant to assist those who can prove they left PAYE prior to the pandemic. You hold this information. Please use it to support us.

Timeline

22 Oct 2020 Petition opened for signatures
22 Apr 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 231
Status Closed
Department HM Treasury
Opened 22 Oct 2020
Closed 22 Apr 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.