Help self-employed facing ruin, says Moray MSP
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MORAY can't afford to leave its self-employed behind, a local MSP has warned.
SNP MSP Richard Lochhead is calling for greater support from the UK Government to help the self-employed and freelancers get through the coronavirus crisis. He said many face ruin unless more help is put forward.
Mr Lochhead has welcomed the funding commitments from both the Scottish and UK governments to support local businesses during extremely challenging times.
However, he says he has spoken to many self-employed constituents who are concerned at the lack of support for them.
Mr Lochhead said: "This is a very anxious time for the thousands of self-employed workers in Moray, many of whom have contacted me as the economy slows down as a result of society’s attempt to combat coronavirus.
"They are extremely worried about their income given that, in many cases, orders and events have been cancelled and customers are staying at home and cutting spending because of their own circumstances, and restrictions on movement.
"I know that UK ministers are being lobbied hard to build on the welcome support already announced for employees and businesses, but we can’t afford to leave the self-employed behind as they are also a mainstay of the economy and will face ruin if similar help is not forthcoming."
There is pressure on the government to help self-employed workers who won't benefit from its 80% earnings pledge to firms whose workers who would otherwise lose jobs.
