The government’s newly launched Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has received a high volume of applications within hours of it opening.
Today was the first day that self-employed workers could access the financial support package announced by the Chancellor with more than 100,000 people submitting claims by 12 noon today via the HMRC website.
The opening of the new support scheme was met with praise from businesses as the self-employed (known as gig economy workers) had been left out of the furlough scheme and unable to receive government support to pay salaries.
As the lockdown eases, there is a slow return to normal for businesses and many self-employed workers had been left out of the packages announced previously.
With six weeks of lockdown and businesses grinding to a halt, the new scheme brings much needed relief to many freelancers and small business owners who earn their living through the profits of their companies.
The new claims filed today averaged over £3000 and approximately 3.5 million people will fall under the new scheme.
