Following confirmation that England will enter lockdown again this week – for at least four weeks to December 2nd – the government set out how it will financially support people.

This included extending the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) furlough scheme until the end of lockdown, as well increasing the amount paid out through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)

Those eligible for SEISS will have access to a grant covering 80% of their trading profit for November, up from the existing 40% share offered via the scheme.

Derek Cribb, chief executive of IPSE, praised the government for increasing its support, saying it will provide vital support for many struggling self-employed people, but says further help is needed to help businesses survive.

“However, it is important to note this enhanced 80% rate only covers November, mirroring the extended furlough scheme; it is vital that if the furlough scheme is extended, SEISS should be adjusted accordingly,” Cribb says.

Cribb goes on to say that aside from this increase, little has been done to fix what he describes as the “devastating gaps” in SEISS, despite urgent recommendations from the Treasury Select Committee.

Some self-employed businesses have not been able to access Covid-19 specific help as they do not meet criteria set out through SEISS, which has in turn meant many have struggled throughout the crisis.

“After so many calls to resolve the problems, it now looks as if the government is wilfully ignoring a third of the self-employed,” Cribb says.

“The first lockdown drastically undermined self-employed incomes, and the gaps in government support led to the biggest drop in self-employed numbers on record.

“Unless government wakes up to the problem and supports all the self-employed, the second lockdown will accelerate the decline and hollow out swathes of this vital sector.”  

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