The Coronavirus pandemic has left many people not just worried about the health of loved ones but also concerned about how they will survive financially. People have been asking myself, and others on social media, just how the self-employed are supposed to manage financially. It comes amid promises that the employed workforce will be compensated 80% of their wages as non-essential businesses are forced to shutdown and the country is put on lockdown.
However, I want to reassure everyone that there is a proposal being put to the House of Commons to pay self-employed people 80% of their earnings, but because these measures are more complicated to put into place, we’re being asked to wait until the end of the week (Mar 27) for clarification. Local accountancy firm GD Matthews explains it best as it outlines what is being proposed on a local Bristol Facebook group.
“We’ve been made aware of a publication on the governments website for legislation to pay the self employed/ freelancers. The proposed measure is for the self employed to receive 80 per cent of their monthly net earnings, averaged over the last three years, or £2,917 whichever is lower. We can only assume this will be based on 2017, 2018 & 2019 as we have not yet completed 2020 but this will be subject to the final guidance issued.”
Despite government measures to pay the UK workforce 80% of their wages – I’ve already heard many reports of people being laid off. Right now, supermarkets are looking for extra temporary workers who can start straight away and reports on social media suggest that you could be accepted for a role in just a few hours.
All the supermarkets are hiring and the rates of pay are: Aldi £9.48 an hour, Asda (varies on role), Iceland £9.10, Lidl £9.30, M&S £10.60, Tesco £9.30, Sainsbury’s £9, Waitrose £9.35. You can also try Amazon £9.50 an hour, Deliveroo £10, Just Eat £9, Ocado £8.43 or UberEats £11.14 per hour.
I’ve also heard that British farmers are urgently appealing for Brits to work on farms as travel restrictions and tighter border controls have had a huge impact on the number of seasonal workers able to travel to the UK. Recruitment specialist Hops Labour Solutions has launched a new scheme with the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, encouraging people to apply for jobs on farms.
Alternatively, if you’re self-motivated and looking for a self-employed role that you can fit in around other commitments then send an email to hi@brokeinbristol.co.uk with your best contact telephone number. This is a fabulous opportunity for a FTSE 250 company which can be done from home with full training and support provided.
Have you heard of any other places that are looking to hire extra staff at the moment? Please share any vacancies by leaving a comment – Broke in Bristol – & beyond is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
