Lockdown 2.0: PM Boris Johnson unveils more support for self-employed

Prime minister, Boris Johnson, has announced fresh support for the self-employed in a statement to the House of Commons today (2 November) as England prepares to enter lockdown once again.

This new measure comes after he announced on Saturday that he had ‘no alternative’ but to enforce a second national lockdown, which will commence from 5 November until 2 December. It is thought that this lockdown could be extended should the spread of coronavirus not slow. This lockdown will see ‘non essential’ businesses including hair and beauty salons, closed for the duration.

Johnson revealed that self-employed workers will be able to claim government support worth 80% of trading profits.

The furlough scheme will also be extended. Johnson told MPs: “The government will continue to do everything possible to support jobs and livelihoods in the next four weeks, as we have throughout.

“We have already paid out £13.7bn to help the self employed… for November, we will double our support from 40% to 80% of trading profits.

“The chancellor will also extend the deadline for applications to COVID loan schemes from the end of this month to the end of the next, to ensure small businesses can have access to additional loans if required.”

For more information about business support and to apply for the COVID loan schemes, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus