Russell George AM, the Shadow Minister for Business, as hailed this afternoon’s announcement on a bailout for self-employed people as a “real boost, both for their pockets and hopefully their spirits”.
The statement was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, during the daily Covid-10 (Coronavirus) briefing broadcast from 10 Downing Street.
Mr George said:
“The UK Government is doing all it can to support everyone through this vital time as we battle together to beat Covid19 by staying at home, protecting our NHS and saving lives.
“The announcement today follows the UK Government’s support for workers to cover 80% of their wages and I’m delighted that this scheme matches that support enabling self-employed people to receive a grant worth 80 percent of their average monthly profits over the last three years, worth up to £2,500 a month.
“From the white-van man – or woman – to the tech start-up in a dining room, and from chippies to childminders, our self-employed people are among the most entrepreneurial, hardworking, and innovative men and women in the country.”
The SME sector they tend to work in is, he said, “… one of the big gear wheels of the Welsh economy”, adding:
“Together we can get through this terrible time and come out the other side both stronger and more united as a country."