Russell George MS – the Shadow Business Minister – has reacted to the announcement today (May 13) about the self-employed grant scheme by the UK Government now being open to applications, saying:
“The scheme is the biggest direct financial support package for freelancers and the self-employed since lockdown started, and as I understand, most of the 3.5 million people in the UK affected should have been contacted and invited to prepare to make a claim by using HMRC’s eligibility checker.”
The grants will be calculated as 80 percent of average monthly profit over a period of up to three years, and payments of up to £7,500 to cover March, April, and May. The UK government said the money will be paid into the accounts of eligible people six days after applying.
Mr George continued:
“This scheme – the equivalent of the assistance provided to furloughed employees – from HMRC will undoubtedly be a welcome relief for many of the self-employed people in Wales during what remain uncertain, and worrying, times.”