The delayed package of financial support for self-employed people, outlined by the UK government this evening, simply isn't good enough. People cannot be expected to wait until June to pay their bills and feed their families #selfemployed #coronavirus
I'm also concerned for many people who may not be eligible for this scheme - including those who have become self-employed in recent months. They need support too and no one should be left behind #selfemployed #coronavirus
The SNP has been pressing for urgent financial support for self-employed people for weeks now. There is no excuse. Many measures could already have been introduced - including using the tax & welfare system to give everyone a guaranteed basic income now #selfemployed #coronavirus
The UK government has also ignored our calls to raise and extend UK Statutory Sick Pay, which is just £94.25 a week, to the EU national average. Many countries in Europe (e.g. Ireland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands) offer £200-£300 a week #selfemployed #coronavirus
Many self-employed people rely on a regular flow of income, including those from low-income households, and they need support now. The SNP will continue to press for more and quicker support to be delivered, particularly for those already in difficulty #selfemployed #coronavirus
