Header logo
Log in

IPSE welcomes Universal Credit extension as sustaining “crucial lifeline” for self-employed

IPSE has welcomed the government’s decision to extend the suspension of the Minimum Income Floor (MIF) for Universal Credit, saying it will keep a “crucial lifeline” open to hundreds of thousands of self-employed people.

About us simpler
IPSE
11 Mar 2020
1 minutes
Share

IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) has welcomed the government’s decision to extend the suspension of the Minimum Income Floor (MIF) for Universal Credit, saying it will keep a “crucial lifeline” open to hundreds of thousands of self-employed people.


In a statement issued this afternoon, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Dr Thérèse Coffey said the government would extend the suspension of MIF until April next year.

Prior to its suspension, the MIF made it very difficult for many self-employed people to access Universal Credit because of their naturally fluctuating income levels.

Derek Cribb, CEO of IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed), said: “It is very welcome that the government has listened to IPSE, as well as the other groups who campaigned on this matter, and extended the suspension of the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor (MIF).

“The MIF has historically hindered or prevented struggling self-employed people from accessing Universal Credit.

“Since the government suspended the MIF, however, Universal Credit has become a crucial lifeline for hundreds of thousands of self-employed people who do not have access to other forms of support.

“Many of these freelancers’ incomes were wiped out in the first lockdown: Universal Credit will be essential for sustaining them through the coming months.”

Latest self-employed news and opinions

New small business comissioner 2
IPSE welcomes new Small Business Commissioner and calls for stronger action on late payment
+1 more

IPSE welcomes the appointment of Emma Jones OBE as the new Small Business Commissioner, calling on government to equip the role with increased powers to tackle la...

26 Jun 2025
About us simpler
IPSE
Companies house changes 2
New Companies House rules for directors – what you need to know
+2 more

IPSE’s Joshua Toovey explains what the recent announcement of planned changes to Companies House reporting means for company directors.

26 Jun 2025
Josh Toovey Headshot
Josh Toovey
What government gets right and wrong with its new Fair Payment Code 2
The Secret Contractor: This is how much more you should charge to work inside IR35
+2 more

In this secret contractor blog, an anonymous IPSE member shares their verdict on how much more you should charge for working inside IR35.

12 Jun 2025
Author simpler
The Secret Contractor
IPSE-LOGO-HEADER

Join our newsletter

Registered in England and Wales, no 03770926. 4th Floor, 95 Gresham Street, City of London, London EC2V 7AB