IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) has welcomed the findings of the Public Accounts Committee’s report on COVID support, which has criticised government for being slow to fix design flaws in support schemes that left millions inadequately catered for.

IPSE responded to the Committee’s call for evidence. The report recognises IPSE’s efforts to see support extended to limited company directors.

Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at IPSE, said: “We welcome today’s report, which rightly criticises government’s response during the pandemic. Many of the report’s findings echo the deep concerns we raised over gaps in support for the self-employed throughout the pandemic.

“We applauded government for the speed at which it set up these schemes, supporting millions of people in a time of crisis. But we grew increasingly concerned that whilst some received more help than they needed, over one million limited company directors and newly self-employed traders were entirely excluded, many of whom were then forced into debt or out of business altogether.”

Public Accounts Committee Inquiry: COVID-19 Employment Support Schemes