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Banff and Buchan MP welcomes support for self-employed


By David Porter

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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has welcomed new measures announced by the UK Chancellor to help the self-employed cope with the impact of Coronavirus.

MP for Banff and Buchan David Duguid
MP for Banff and Buchan David Duguid

Those working for themselves can now apply for a taxable grant of 80 per cent of their average profits, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.

Similar grants for staff who are employed by companies were announced by Rishi Sunak last week.

Scottish Conservative MP Mr Duguid said that the government has taken steps that would have been “unthinkable” under normal circumstances.

He said: “I am pleased to see the Chancellor take action to help the self-employed, as many of my constituents fall into that category.

“My staff and I have been dealing with a high volume of casework around this issue.

“Both the UK government and Her Majesty’s Treasury in particular have taken unprecedented steps to prop up our economy and protect workers and businesses.

“Measures like these – with the government paying wages on behalf of private employers – would have been unthinkable just a few weeks ago.

“But is has been absolutely vital to do so to protect our economy and to ensure we can recover at the other side of this crisis.

“For a small minority of self-employed people who operate as limited companies, there is other support available in the form of grants, loans, business rates relief and increased welfare payments.

“I am continuing to lobby both of Scotland’s governments to ensure our rural and coastal communities and industries are supported.

“My staff and I are continuing to offer all the help we can to anyone who has questions or is struggling to cope during this crisis.”


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