Government gaps in support for freelancers leaving employers to pick up the tab

The Liberal Democrats have today urged the Chancellor to step in and support freelancers excluded from existing government support schemes. This comes after the announcement that the BBC will offer financial support to around 600 freelancers who they regularly employ.

Liberal Demcorat MP and Chair of the Excluded UK APPG Jamie Stone demanded Rishi Sunak step in after the BBC confirmed it will pay average earnings for March, April and May capped at £2,500 to around 600 freelancers who have not been eligible for any of the UK Government's support schemes.

Liberal Democrat MP and Chair of the Excluded UK APPG, Jamie Stone commented: This is a responsible and compassionate move by the BBC. Although it has come late on in the arc of lockdown, it is welcome nonetheless. Freelancers are of immeasurable valuable to our arts and screen sectors.

Millions of people across the UK have been left in bleak situations with no income and no support throughout the pandemic. Many of these people are freelancers and still face real financial hardship.

This should never have been left to individual employers to cover the gaps in the government's schemes. I urge the Chancellor to find a way to help those excluded from existing schemes and ensure that no one is left behind."