IPSE urges “tapered end” to SEISS to avoid “cliff-edge” for freelancers
- 8 Jul 2020
IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) has responded to the Chancellor’s statement, pointing to the lack of any mention of the self-employed.
Although IPSE has welcomed the measures to boost the economy, including the employer bonus at the end of the furlough scheme, it has urged the government to introduce a “tapered end” to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to ensure freelancers do not face a “cliff-edge” in August.
Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed), said: “Although there were many positive measures to boost the economy in the Chancellor’s statement today, the self-employed were noticeable by their absence.
“While the Chancellor has announced a measured and sensible end to the employee furlough scheme in October, freelancers are left to face a cliff-edge in August. Some freelancers relying on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) may benefit from the sectoral support announced today, but many more will not.
“We urge the Chancellor to introduce a tapered end to SEISS to address the clear imbalance between employees and the self-employed. While considering measures to kickstart the economy, we also call on the Chancellor to adopt policies that will back those groups, like limited companies and the newly self-employed, who missed out on support during lockdown.”
“Freelancers will be vital in getting the UK back to business, but if they are to play their part, they must get a fair deal and the backing they need from the government.”
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