UK lockdown: What help is available for self-employed during second lockdown?

Although SEISS will help provide financial security to millions whose businesses have been affected, not everyone is eligible for SEISS and there is additional support available.

Simon Warne, partner at Crowe UK, toldExpress.co.uk: “If lockdown measures remain throughout the winter, the Chancellor may come under renewed pressure to examine groups who have not benefited from Government support so far.

“These groups include those who are newly self-employed (claimants must have filed a tax return for 2018/19 to be eligible for SEISS), those who have other income of more than 50 percent of their total income, as well as those with average annual trading profits in excess of £50,000.

“It does seem strange that the last of these groups should be excluded from help, especially when there is no equivalent support system, aside from the furlough scheme.

“Such employees do, of course, receive a capped amount but are not excluded. Another notable group that has received no help is individuals who operate as contractors through personal services companies. This is unlikely to change anytime soon.”