Government must bring financial booster to hard-hit industries and workers

We cannot fight Omicron without support for hard-hit workers and businesses.

Following the sharp rise in Covid infections across the UK, Head of Research, Policy & External Relations at Community trade union, Kate Dearden, said:

“If the Government is serious about stopping the spread of Omicron, it must introduce urgent support schemes for workers and businesses.

“Introducing new restrictions without offering financial support to those affected by them is bad for the economy and public health.

“The price for not taking action now is to lose these vital businesses and jobs for good.

On the need to keep self-employed workers safe, Kate added:

“Without support our self-employed members are forced to choose between two impossibilities: risking catching Covid and spreading it, or not making ends meet.

“8 out of 10 of our self-employed members told us that they are worried about not being able to afford the bills or pay for basic necessities without such support.

“It is clear that in order to keep communities safe ministers must introduce a financial booster to badly-hit businesses and workers, and urgently increase sick pay and make it accessible for all.

Notes:

• In a survey for self-employed members conducted earlier this month, 79% said they are worried that they will “not be able to afford the bills or pay for basic necessities without sick pay”
• “Inquiry into the future of self-employment”, a report by Community, Prospect and FSB, published earlier this year, offered a series of policy measures to support self-employed workers and freelancers through the pandemic including widening access to Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, extending the eligibility criteria for Statutory Sick Pay and introducing Kickstart loans. Full report can be found here

If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.