Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether self-employed workers deemed to fall within IR35 rules are eligible for any of the Government financial support schemes set up to assist people who have lost work and income as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

This question was answered on 20th May 2020
The Government has announced a package of support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and individuals to deal with lost income and the costs of absence due to COVID-19.

Individuals working through a Personal Service Company are not eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. However, they may be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme if they pay themselves through a PAYE scheme. They may also have access to support through the temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme.

Individuals who are employed by a Personal Service Company are also entitled to statutory sick on pay on the same terms as any other employee, and may be entitled to a rebate where they meet the criteria of that scheme. Those not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay will be able to receive support through the benefits system. Comprehensive information about the full range of business support measures is available at: www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support.