SELF-employed people in the UK have three more days to apply for a Government support package worth 80% of their average profits.
Any self-employed individuals or members of patrnerships whose business has been adversely affected by?coronavirus are able to apply for the payment, which will cover three month’s income and will be capped at £7500.
The money is expected to be in people’s bank accounts within six working days of their claim.
People are asked to make their claim on a specified date before 18 May, based on their Unique Tax Reference number. HMRC has assigned eligible self-employed individuals a specific date and this can be checked on HMRC’s online checker.
People are able to apply after the date they are allocated so long as they do so before the deadline.
Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
’The self-employment income support scheme represents a lifeline for the millions of self-employed people who are expected to qualify. I would encourage all those who think they are eligible to use the online checker if they’ve not done so yet, and to apply on the date allocated.
’We are particularly pleased to see the scheme opening earlier than scheduled, with a simple fast-track application and a promise for speedy payment.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders said:
’The self-employed account for 40% of the construction workforce so the Government’s decision to bring forward the payment to the end of May will be very welcome news for the many independent tradespeople who operate in construction. The Government’s support package to date has been targeted at businesses so the self-employed will be welcoming this cash boost at a time when they need it most’