I wholeheartedly support demands for the UK government to pay out crucial cash to freelance workers who currently face spiralling into extreme debt.

Many people working in the culture and arts sector face a significant period without work as theatres are dark and large entertainment events cancelled, yet the UK government has failed to put adequate financial support in place for those who have fallen through the cracks of the UK Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are freelancers and have fallen through the gaps and I will continue to argue for the gaps to be closed and a universal basic income be put in place; at the very least during this pandemic.

I also support the petition started by freelance TV presenter Jodie McCallum which has gained nearly 8,000 signatures, demanding action from Chancellor Rishi Sunak .  You can find the petition here.

SNP Shadow Chancellor Alison Thewliss MP said:

“The current UK government Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been a disaster for freelance workers, forcing many into a dangerous cycle of spiralling debt.

“This National Freelancers Day, the Chancellor must act to deliver a support scheme that works for the thousands of freelancers who are crying out for help. He cannot continue to turn a blind eye while people are forced into extreme financial hardship.

“The UK government is able to find cash to paint the Prime Minister’s plane, while forgotten freelancers across the UK get nothing. This is completely unacceptable.”