Stevenson's Call for Action to Help the Self-Employed

Stewart Stevenson MSP is demanding more support from the UK Government to help self-employed workers and freelancers impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

The North East MSP is calling for the Jobs Retention Scheme announced last week to be expanded to include the self-employed. He also appealed for a change in the rules to enable more people to access statutory sick pay.

The Banffshire and Buchan Coast representative has welcomed the funding commitments from both the Scottish and UK Government to support local businesses during these extremely challenging times, however, he’s been in touch with many self-employed constituents who are concerned at the lack of support for them.

Commenting Mr Stevenson said:

“Action must be taken to provide more support for the self-employed and the current measures in place do not go far enough. There are 330,000 self-employed workers in Scotland, who are critical to our economy, and they must not be left behind in the response to this crisis.

“This is an anxious time for thousands of self-employed workers in the North-east, many of whom have contacted me raising legitimate concerns about their individual needs.

“They are extremely worried about their income given that, in many cases, orders and events have been cancelled and customers are staying at home and opting not to spend money.

“I know that UK Ministers are being lobbied hard to build on the welcome support already announced for employees and businesses, but we can’t afford to leave the self-employed behind as they are fundamental to our economy and will face ruin if similar help is not forthcoming.”