Letter: Self-employed could face months without income if scheme discontinued

I would like to make some comments regarding the COVID-19 Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

As a self-employed first aid trainer, I ran my last course on March 14. I have not been able to teach, or earn any money since that time.

I was eligible for the above scheme and was paid the equivalent of three months drawings (minus 20 per cent) on May 15.

That represented three months without any work but I did have some money owing from my customers for training carried out prior to March 14.

I understand that the Chancellor is undecided in relation to continuing the scheme for another three months.

I can only speak for myself but I am not expecting to be able to train for a good while yet.

One of my biggest customers does not want me to recommence training until September.

In fact, the Government has provided an automatic extension to both industry and schools allowing existing first aid certificates to be valid until September 30, so it is highly probable I will not be earning a realistic income until October 2020.

The original SEISS payment was for three months, March to May.

If this scheme is discontinued, I will have no liveable income for the next four months.

Adrian Beadnell, via email

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