Problems with the scheme?
[ch 2: page 13]Unions with self-employed and freelance members have been pushing the government to extend the scheme to cover the many members who are currently excluded. For example, more than a third of musicians are likely to miss out on government support, according to a survey by the musicians’ MU union.
It found 38% of musicians are not covered by either the SEISS or the CVJRS. It also showed that more than a quarter (26%) of musicians who do qualify for the scheme would struggle to survive financially until SEISS payments are made.
It found many of its members are missing out on support because they are newly self-employed; self-employed less than 50% of the time; have yearly profits of over £50,000; operate as a director of a limited company; or have taken time out due to maternity or parental leave.
The specialists’ Prospect union points out that many of its broadcasting and entertainment BECTU sector members are forced to set up personal service companies because they are a term of engagement in parts of the creative industries but are excluded from support under the SEISS.