Self-employed workers in Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and the Deepings talk about their experiences in 'lockdown'
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has announced a grant scheme for self-employed people that is “one of most generous in the world”.
While some self-employed people are rejoicing in the Government’s generosity some still believe that there is more that could be done.
On Thursday last week Rishi Sunak revealed that the new taxable grant, similar to that being offered to furloughed workers, is worth 80 per cent of their average monthly earnings up to £2,500 was “deliverable and fair”.
John Elson, cartoonist for the Rutland and Stamford Mercury and its sister titles across Iliffe Media, was amazed to find out about the help he would be getting from the Government.
“It was good - I was not expecting anything,” John said.
“When you’re self-employed you feel out there on your own, you don’t think you’re going to get any help.”
He added: “I’ve always been self-sufficient so to get help from anyone is great.”
Before he heard about the government grant John was beginning to feel very stressed about the uncertainty of his income.
Despite still having a small amount of work coming in - such as caricatures people were commissioning to send to friends - he started to apply for jobs as a shelf stacker or delivery driver to bring in an income.
“I am really pleased the government has stepped in with the grants,” he said.
Luckily for John, a lot of his work - including festivals and weddings - has been postponed to a later date rather than completely cancelled.
John was recently in self-isolation with suspected coronavirus after developing a temperature and dry cough.
He said: “I was in the middle of my illness wondering what on Earth will happen and how will we survive, so when it was announced it was a huge relief.”
He even recalls that when the announcement was made his symptoms began to subside - coincidence?
Dan Twiddy, a self-employed plasterer from Stamford, is still trading but is expecting business to die down soon.
“I think they are doing a good job of everything they are doing but the grants are determined by how much you have earned in the last three years and I think that’s unfair.”
He added: “I think if you do one thing for self-employed people you should do it for all.
Dan also reflected on what life will be like after the coronavirus outbreak has gone and life returns to somewhat ‘normal’.
“I think we are going to be playing catch-up.
“Say we go back, people won’t have money in the bank and will be careful with their spending.
“It will have a knock on effect all the way down to the bottom.”
Dan is making the most of people’s social media usage while in lock down.
To help stay in “people’s minds” he is regularly posting updates, customer reviews and adverts on his Facebook and Instagram pages.
Dan said: “I’m trying to keep my business alive and taking advantage on social media.
“I’m keeping the business out there even if there is no work.”
He added: “You’ve got to try to promote your business in times like this so you’re not forgotten about.”
Tony Dunk, a Stamford-based plumber, paused doing his jobs round the house to speak to the Mercury about being self-employed during the pandemic.
Having had a full diary until the end of April Tony’s work has now “all dried up”.
Despite being classed as a ‘key worker’, Tony, who is subcontracted with British Gas, has lost all of his work.
Suppliers that he previously bought products from are now only selling essential items.
After hearing the Government’s announcement on Thursday Tony had his own thoughts.
He said: “It sounds good in principle but the wait until June will absolutely cripple people.
“Luckily I am in the position of close to retirement.”
He added: “Having to wait until June, I don’t know how people will survive.”
However, things are looking somewhat positive for Tony in the future due to his loyal customers.
He said: “Initially it’s going to be absolute chaos, although I see customers around town and they say ‘we’ve not forgotten. Work will be there as soon as you get equipment’.”
Tony also believes that the pandemic will have a negative effect on the younger generation of the self-employed.
He said: “We are struggling as a whole in construction to get younger people in the industry.
“If we have lost the younger people in the industry we are going to struggle.”
An Oakham couple with five kids between them are also starting to feel the pressure.
Barnaby Staniland, a freelance photographer, and his wife Liz will both benefit from the self-employment grant.
Barnaby, who started his business a few years ago, said: “The Government announced 80 per cent but obviously the way it works is this tax year isn’t counted.
“It’s from two years ago and back then we weren’t making as much.”
He added: “We don’t know how much we are going to get.
“We are not getting told until June and we have bills we’ve got to pay.”
Two years ago, Liz - who is a self-employed nail technician, hair stylist and make up artist - was on maternity leave meaning her yearly total income dipped.
However, now Liz normally sees about 20 nail appointments per week and should have been working at 50 weddings this year.
Barnaby noted that his ‘ideal situation’ would be for the government to look at this tax year as well, as newly self-employed people may be left worse off.
“It’s a very worrying time,” he said.
The family have applied for Universal Credit to help get them through, however, this has provoked further uncertainty.
Barnaby, 36, said : “Do we need to give it back when the grant comes through?
“The thing is no one knows.”
His business BGS Weddings has already received many cancellations and postponements in the months to come.
The postponements make further issues as there is a likelihood he could be double booked which leads to less bookings in total.
He also notes that his livelihood is a ‘luxury’ for many people, which may cause his work to dwindle due to money shortages caused by coronavirus.
Barnaby said: “There’s a certain risk going into self-employment.
“You don’t get sick pay, you don’t get holiday but no one could have predicted this.”
However, Barnaby is keeping a positive outlook on the situation.
He said: “If everyone is kind about it, it works itself out - there’s no point moaning about it.”
Claire Maxted, a self-employed running coach and YouTuber from Stamford, will be using her ‘frugal’ savings to help get her through the difficult period.
Claire’s job includes event filming and speaking but due to coronavirus this is no longer possible.
While Claire is still able to complete some of her work from home she estimates that she has lost three quarters of her income.
She said: “It’s not just working at events, I need to pitch to outdoor brands to sponsor my films. There’s a massive knock on effect.”
Recently Claire has been ‘busier than ever’ with unpaid work including interviews, quizzes and filming an
at-home fitness video for the Mercury.
“I don’t qualify for Universal Credit as I’ve been a sensible person and have too much in savings.
“This is kind of a smack in the face for being frugal and living within my means, but others are much worse off and it’s important to help them more so I understand this, and at least it saves me from all the form-filling,” she said.
However, Claire believes she may qualify for the self-employment scheme announced by the Chancellor last week.
She said: “It’s going to be really tough for everyone.
“I’m really glad I’ve got savings.
“I’ve never had to claim from the Government so it’s out of my comfort zone.”
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