Lack of self-employed support driving down numbers

The IPSE has warned that with over a million contractors unable to claim for the second SEISS, the number of self-employed workers is dropping.

The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) is urging the government to consider ways to support those self-employed groups who are ineligible, especially if there were to be a second pandemic wave.

Derek Cribb, CEO of IPSE, commented, “The August SEISS statistics are a reminder that although the scheme continues to help a large proportion of the self-employed, over a million freelancers – including directors of limited companies and the newly self-employed – are not eligible for it. This is a stark omission that is devastating to hard working self-employed people across the UK.

“We are already seeing the consequences of the gaps in support in the steep drop in the number of self-employed people last quarter. A second grant opened earlier this week, still without even a nod to these forgotten groups, who now face yet more months with no support. With the threat of a second wave and further lockdowns looming, government must urgently consider ways to support these desperate forgotten freelancers.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jessica on 01206 591 000 or email jessica.attwood@contractorumbrella.com.