This afternoon’s media briefing from Downing Street did not address or mention the growing concerns of 5 million self-employed people in the UK around the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier today in Parliament Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s tone, as well as that of his treasury colleague Stephen Barclay’s sounded vague, with no sign of a solution for the financial woes of the self-employed seemingly forthcoming.
Barclay was asked, and challenged by Liberal Democrat acting leader Sir Ed Davey on what was being done for people who are self-employed. Davey was eloquent and hit several nails on their heads through his questioning. Barclay held his line of vagueness and sauntered in retreat to generalisations. He also indicated that more would be announced at 5pm, it wasn’t.
The government is focusing its communications currently emphasising the measures taken to support people in ‘traditional’ PAYE employment.
As the arrival of numerous various bills and invoices is ongoing in the inbox’s of the 5 million self-employed, many will still be wondering when Chancellor Rishi Sunak is going to do something for them.
The clock is ticking, and action is now overdue.
