Coronavirus: Support for Self-Employed in Kilmarnock and Loudoun

I am calling on constituents who are self-employed to add their voices to the concerns over the Covid-19 outbreak.

Although I welcomed the actions of the UK Government for supporting businesses and employers in the last few days, those who are self-employed have been completely overlooked.

At the moment, the only support available for self-employed constituents who have no income is to claim Universal Credit. Despite the Chancellor’s aims to increase this to the same level as Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), £94.25 per week will not make up for the loss of income many of my constituents will face. I understand that some self-employed constituents with partners in employment cannot access Universal Credit and this is another major problem that needs addressed and resolved.

In the meantime I will do all I can to fight for the self-employed, freelancers and sole-traders during these difficult and unprecedented times.

If you are self-employed and agree the need for more support from the UK Government then please add your details below. This will enable me to update you as matters progress.