RENEWED CALLS FOR FURTHER SUPPORT FOR SELF-EMPLOYED

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New analysis from the IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies) shows that around 2 million people with self-employment income impacted by COVID-19 responses will not be eligible to have it covered by the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), and that almost half of the self-employed would see their family income fall by at least 40% in the short run if their work has dried up before the SEISS grants are paid in June.

This would have a significant impact for the high number of self-employed workers in Dumfries and Galloway where the rural economy indicates a higher proportion of the workforce is self-employed.

Commenting, ​Chris Stephens​ MP (Glasgow South West) said: “​The Chancellor must use the tax and welfare system to provide a guaranteed income for everyone and bring forward emergency Universal Basic Income. Increasing Statutory Sick Pay, bridging the gaps in the support for the self-employed, and strengthening welfare protections by increasing Child Benefit and making Universal Credit more flexible must also be top priorities.”