SELF-EMPLOYED Scots have raised concerns over a UK Government coronavirus support scheme, amid claims that huge numbers of them are being told they are ineligible.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) opened in March to help those who are not in PAYE employment. It was subsequently extended, with eligible applicants able to claim a second and final grant in August.
The Scottish Government set up its own £100 million grant scheme for SMEs and newly self-employed people, along with a hardship fund for newly self-employed people.
However, Shona Dunsmuir, who owns Brèagha Holistic Beauty Remedial and Sports Massage, on Arran, said she and some of her self-employed friends were disgusted after being told they were not eligible for SEISS.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: 'We are now dealing with an economic emergency'
“We are worried about the ramifications on our household income and the safety of our business, which we have worked extremely hard to build,” she told The National.
“I have never been in debt during the five years I have been trading. I am now in debt with my business rent, phone bills, insurances and have no income to buy materials when I do open.”
Dunsmuir said she was promised a reply by the end of May after appealing against the SEISS refusal, but she has still not received it. Now she is contacting her elected representatives.
“The whole situation is very disheartening, especially as new businesses, with a failure rate of 95% in the first 12 months, were handed £2000 and well established businesses like mine were given no help.”
One of her friends is Sarah Wedderburn-Ogilvy, who owns Child’s Pose Yoga – and runs yoga classes for babies, toddlers and families in Fife and Edinburgh – did qualify for a SEISS grant.
“However, as the calculation was based on my first-year trading profits, it was significantly less than I would have hoped for, as they don’t take year-on-year growth into consideration,” said Wedderburn-Ogilvy.
“I understand there is to be another grant given in August, that I hope to qualify for – though, realistically, I don’t see myself working and earning to my full potential again for the duration of social distancing, as my children’s classes rely on social interaction rather than distancing ... I actually feel lucky compared to other self-employed people I know, who I know are struggling more.”
A Treasury spokesperson said: “Our Self-Employment Income Support scheme, which has been extended, is one of the most generous in the world and has helped more than
2.3 million people so far.
“Those who do not qualify will be able to access a range of other support – including income tax deferrals, access to a range of grants and loans, and three-month mortgage holidays.
“We’ve also relaxed the earnings rules for self-employed claimants under Universal Credit.”
Dunsmuir was critical of Westminster’s mismanagement of the issue, and added: “When the Conservatives outlined their package for the self-employed, I felt hope that they would finally provide a suitable solution. I feel like an utter fool for surmising that they would make good on their promises. However, it was a highly stressful emotive time, so under the circumstances my judgement was clearly impaired.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel