The government has been accused of letting down millions of “forgotten” freelance and self-employed workers, while many now face a “cliff edge” once the furlough scheme is wrapped up by Rishi Sunak in October.
“There were millions of forgotten freelancers and others across the country hanging on the Chancellor’s every word today, but once again the government has let them down and failed to recognise the plight of those who have fallen through the gaps,” said Philippa Childs, head of Bectu – which represents workers in the broadcasting industry.
Ms Childs welcomed the £1.57bn pledged for the arts sector but warned there must be extra support for freelancers, saying: “If they do not then the future of the £100bn sector is at risk as highly skilled freelance and self-employed workers are forced to seek work elsewhere.
Andy Chamberlain, of the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed, said that while there were many positive measures in the Chancellor’s statement, “the self-employed were noticeable by their absence”.
“While the Chancellor has announced a measured and sensible end to the employee furlough scheme in October, freelancers are left to face a cliff-edge in August.
“Some freelancers relying on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) may benefit from the sectoral support announced today, but many more will not.”
Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect union, said: “The Chancellor started his statement saying that ‘nobody will be left without hope’, but there was nothing in his new package for the millions of forgotten freelancers and others who have been left with no hope and no support for months.
“There were welcome measures to support jobs in the package today, but the government still failed to acknowledge that there are some sectors that need extra support so they can retain viable jobs until they can reopen.”
