Business groups welcomes Government support for the self-employed

Under the new proposals, self-employed workers will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,500 a month to help cope with the financial impact of being unable to work at this time.

Scott Knowles, chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Self-employed people play a crucial role to both the East Midlands and the wider UK economy and it is absolutely right that Government supports this diverse group of workers in these uncertain and challenging times.

“The Chancellor’s announcement will be welcomed by many but the practicalities of delivering such an unprecedented package will be complex.

“Government must waste no time in ensuring words are translated into actions without delay.

“Self-employed workers, as with PAYE employees, are facing very real challenges now.

“This new measure, and those that have proceeded it, will be a comfort to many; but only once fully implemented.”

Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, added: “This is a time of national emergency, and it is very welcome that the Government has listened and responded with a multi-billion-pound package to support the most financially vulnerable entrepreneurs, and to do so through the self-assessment system.

“The self-employed needed more help, and especially those with least resources to prepare for this storm.

“We have heard despairing stories from hard-working hairdressers, bakers, childcare providers, freelancers, drivers and many others, seeing the businesses they’ve spent years building dry up in a matter of days. It is many of those strivers who today’s package will support.

“The self-employed community underpins the UK economy, they are the individual risk-takers who don’t expect the same benefits as employees.

“Although the deal is not perfect, the Government has moved a very long way.”