The UK government has unveiled an unprecedented aid package aimed at supporting self-employed workers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The measures allow eligible individuals to claim 80 percent of their average monthly profits, capped at just over $3,000 per month, for up to three months. This initiative mirrors the support already extended to salaried employees, reflecting the severity of the economic impact caused by the pandemic.
However, concerns are mounting among the self-employed community about the immediate financial strain they face until the funds become accessible in June. With approximately five million self-employed workers in the UK, the delay poses significant challenges for those whose livelihoods have been abruptly disrupted.
“What will they do now? They need money now. Three months is a long time if you’ve got nothing or limited income,” expressed Sol Boakye-Duah, a self-employed personal trainer. His sentiments echo the anxiety felt by many who are struggling to meet daily expenses amidst widespread business closures and social distancing measures.
The predicament of the UK’s self-employed raises important questions about the resilience of gig economies worldwide, including in Asia where similar workforce structures exist. As governments across Asia grapple with the economic fallout of the pandemic, the UK’s approach may serve as a reference point for policy decisions aimed at safeguarding vulnerable workers.
For global readers and the Asian diaspora observing from abroad, the situation underscores the critical need for timely and effective government intervention to support those most affected by the crisis. It also highlights the shared challenges faced by self-employed workers globally, sparking discussions on long-term economic resilience and worker protections in the face of unprecedented disruptions.
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Will the UK government's aid package protect the self-employed?
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