Although the increase in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been very much welcomed, there are still concerns about the ‘deep structural problems’ with the system.
This is according to the IPSE, who has warned that it was ‘an enormous omission’ that there are still so many who remain secluded from the scheme – such as limited company directors and the newly self-employed.
Derek Cribb, CEO of IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed), said, “It’s welcome that the government has doubled SEISS to 40 per cent of previous income. However, there are still deep structural problems with the scheme, which the government must urgently address.”
Cribb added, “A third of the self-employed – including sole directors of limited companies and the newly self-employed – are still completely excluded from SEISS (and the proportion is even higher in the hospitality sector). This is an enormous omission and it is deeply troubling that the government has not addressed this.
“The gaps in the support have already led to the biggest drop in the number of self-employed on record – over 250,000 since the beginning of the year. With large parts of the country locking down again, this is only set to worsen as many forgotten freelancers face financial devastation. Government must act now and open up SEISS or other targeted support to these groups.”
To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.
