Ending SEISS scheme in May would be a betrayal of the self-employed

Prospect has warned the government that ending the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) in May would be a betrayal of the self-employed.

The Telegraph has reported that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering ending the scheme early, before the economy has fully reopened, leaving millions of self-employed workers with no support.

Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy said:

“The Treasury has treated the self-employed as an afterthought throughout this crisis, and if this story is correct then this Budget will see one of the biggest betrayals yet.

“The self-employed can power the economic recovery into the medium and long-term but only if they are supported properly now. Ending support in the Spring would cause a fresh crisis for tens of thousands of workers who are already struggling.

“This crisis is not yet over. Instead of putting the brakes on the recovery, Rishi Sunak should be giving it rocket boosters by extending the support scheme and closing the gaps so that all these workers have the freedom and confidence they need to boost the economy through the rest of the year.”

Ahead of the Budget Prospect published the Inquiry into the Future of Self-Employment with Community and FSB. You can read more about the Inquiry here.