No support for the self-employed? No change there

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. For example, in the current Covid crisis many self-employed people found they did not qualify for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. Andy Chamberlain, director of policy at the association, says: “The massive increase in the number of self-employed people accessing universal credit reflects the financial devastation brought on the sector by the pandemic – and just how many self-employed were excluded from the more generous Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.” Despite their growing numbers, self-employed people have been excluded from many of the safety nets that employees take for granted. It’s also vital to understand what other support may be available, for example, anyone whose income has been affected may be able to defer that VAT payments or qualify for a bounce back loan. Cash flow is crucial and there should be no excuses from clients, big or small, for not paying you on time or even negotiating in good faith to come to paying invoices immediately up-front or in instalments depending on your needs.” Mike Parkes, technical director at tax software company GoSimpleTax, recommends acting now to avoid any unpleasant tax bill surprises by submitting last year’s tax return as soon as possible.