Govt pledges more grants for self-employed

Self-employed gas engineers whose business has been affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for two further grants from the government. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been extended to cover November 2020 to April 2021.

An initial taxable grant will be provided to those who are currently eligible for SEISS and are continuing to actively trade but face reduced demand due to coronavirus. The initial lump sum will cover three months’ worth of profits from November to the end of January 2021. This is worth 20 per cent of average monthly profits, up to a total of £1,875.

A second grant, which may be adjusted to respond to changing circumstances, will be available to cover the period from February 2021 to the end of April.

The government says it will publish details of how to claim in due course.