IPSE gives cautious welcome to extension of self-employed scheme

01 Jun 2020

The government's decision to extend COVID-19 support for self-employed workers has met with a cautious welcome from the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE).

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will run again in August.

In August, those eligible under the SEISS will be able to claim a second and final grant.

The grant will be worth 70% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months' worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total.

Commenting on the extension, Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at IPSE, said: 'It will be an overwhelming relief for many self-employed people that the government has heeded our calls and extended SEISS. The scheme is a vital lifeline for millions of people and it is absolutely right that the government keeps it running.

'However, it is disappointing that there will still be two months when employees can access support and the self-employed cannot. The government should watch the situation carefully and be ready to step in if the UK's self-employed need more support.

'It is also vital that the government does not ignore the self-employed who cannot access this scheme. At the moment, groups like freelancers working through limited companies and the newly self-employed have patently been forgotten. We urge the government to consider these groups and also help them through the coming months.'