[UK] Freelancers pin hopes on Chancellor’s Summer Statement 2020

The UK’s 3 million freelancers have so far been excluded from government support through the COVID-19 crisis. For these workers, Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Summer Statement 2020 was a significant opportunity for recognition. Concerns grew after the July 5 announcement of a £1.5bn package for the UK’s cultural institutions - including theatres - did not incorporate support for freelancers, who have had to rely solely on Universal Credit in the months since productions closed.

Many excluded freelancers work in the theatre, TV and film industries and are engaged via short-term PAYE contracts leading to them falling between the cracks of the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (JRS) and Self-Employed Income Support Scheme. More than 100 MPs attended an All-Party Parliamentary Group talk on the issue on Tuesday which was followed by a debate in parliament, led by Treasury Committee chair Mel Stride. Broadcast explores the hopes and concerns of the community in the leadup to the mini-budget. (Link via original reporting)

The UK’s 3 million freelancers have so far been excluded from government support through the COVID-19 crisis. For these workers, Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Summer Statement 2020 was a significant opportunity for recognition. Concerns grew after the July 5 announcement of a £1.5bn package for the UK’s cultural institutions - including theatres - did not incorporate support for freelancers, who have had to rely solely on Universal Credit in the months since productions closed.

Many excluded freelancers work in the theatre, TV and film industries and are engaged via short-term PAYE contracts leading to them falling between the cracks of the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (JRS) and Self-Employed Income Support Scheme. More than 100 MPs attended an All-Party Parliamentary Group talk on the issue on Tuesday which was followed by a debate in parliament, led by Treasury Committee chair Mel Stride. Broadcast explores the hopes and concerns of the community in the leadup to the mini-budget. (Link via original reporting)