With the second Self Employment Income Support Scheme grant now available, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is being urged to provide further support for sole traders until next spring.

These grants are just one of several measures that the government has introduced to help the self-employed. Other measures have included raising the amounts of Universal Credit payments, help with rent, deferrals of income tax demands and Bounce Back loan payments. However, despite the range of financial relief that has been provided, some are arguing that sections of the self-employed workforce are still struggling.

Among those that are experiencing continued loss of work and income compared with the pre-pandemic period are sole traders, such as taxi drivers and performers. With this in mind, a letter has been signed by more than 100 people and sent to Sunak asking him to provide further support between now and spring 2021.

Speaking to Taxi Point, the Deputy General Secretary of the Music Union, Naomi Pohl, said that musicians needed to be sure that they will not be cut adrift after the second grant, adding:

“We are calling for both the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme to be extended into early 2021 for those workers who cannot make a living while social distancing guidelines remain in place.”

Speaking to an accountant for sole traders in South Yorkshire or wherever they happen to live is a positive step that people in this position can take while they wait to hear if further government help will be offered.