70% of self-employed work force make COVID-19 SEISS support claim each worth on average £2,900
In the new figures released by the Government it shows 70% of the self-employed work force have made a COVID-19 SEISS support claim each worth on average £2,900.
The new data also reveals the uptake of Coronavirus Jobs Retention (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Schemes (SEISS) across the UK’s regions and nations.
Under the CJRS, up until 31 May more than 6.4 million jobs were furloughed in England, with more than 628,000 jobs furloughed in Scotland, 316,500 in Wales and nearly 212,000 in Northern Ireland.
Under the SEISS, self-employed individuals in Scotland have made 146,000 claims totalling £425 million; 102,000 claims for £273 million made in Wales; and 69,000 claims for £198 million in Northern Ireland. From just over 2 million claims in England, the total is nearly £6 billion.
Across the whole of the UK, 70% of those potentially eligible for support through the self-employment scheme made a claim, with the average value of claim amounting to £2,900.
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:
"Our unprecedented coronavirus support schemes are protecting millions of vital jobs and businesses across the whole of the United Kingdom - and will help ensure we recover from this outbreak as swiftly as possible.
“We have extended both schemes so they will continue to provide measured support across the UK as we start to reopen the economy.”
Nationally, employers in the wholesale and retail sectors have furloughed the highest number of employers, covering 1.6 million jobs, followed by accommodation and food service employers furloughing 1.4 million.
The CJRS scheme will continue to support jobs until the end of October, with flexible part-time furloughing beginning in July to support businesses as the economy is carefully reopened.
The SEISS scheme has also been extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant in August.
The two schemes are part of a comprehensive economic support package for individuals and businesses including loans, grants, income tax deferrals, rental support, increased levels of Universal Credit, and mortgage holidays.
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