Dan Jarvis calls for additional support for self-employed

South Yorkshire Mayor and Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to call on him to provide parity between employed and self-employed workers as part of the Government’s ‘Winter Economy Plan’.

Commenting, Jarvis said:

“I have been contacted by a significant number of self-employed workers in my Barnsley Central constituency who are facing enormous financial pressure because of the ongoing restrictions.

“I welcome the announcement made last week that support for businesses and the economy will be extended throughout the winter months. However, this package of support means that self-employed workers will receive only 20% government support, in comparison to employed staff, who will receive at least 77% of their normal earnings.

“This discrepancy risks creating untold worry and anguish for millions of self-employed workers throughout the economy, at a time when the Government’s priority should be on supporting jobs, small businesses and sole traders. Many are desperately worried about their future; not knowing how they will feed their children or keep the heating on through what will be the most challenging winter in generations.

“I’m calling on the Chancellor to ensure that the self-employed receive the same level of support that is being made available to employed workers; and gives self-employed workers in my constituency the confidence to continue trading.”

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Notes for Editors

• Mayor Jarvis has committed additional resources to the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub to provide practical support, advice and guidance to businesses and traders weathering the storm of the Coronavirus. Businesses can get in touch with the Growth Hub here: https://www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/