Employed and self employed - now unable to do either due to Coronavirus

itisgeorge

Hi all,

Posting on behalf of a family member who I help out with managing financials.

As an employee she earns around £900 per month, and was working up until the beginning of this week 23/03 when some flu like symptoms appeared and went into self isolation, she was told SSP could be claimed for the 2 weeks, with no further info (still waiting to hear). The next day the business temporarily closed while the outbreak continues; however not sure where this leaves wages as I've read the government will be paying up 80% - Is this down to the employer and will this be paid during the two week isolation or just SSP?

This salary is then topped up from a self employment business earning around £400 a month (varies however). Unfortunately due to the nature of the business, this has also ceased while the outbreak continues.

So the boat we're currently in is no money is being earned. I understand there could be a range of benefits that could be claimed (although only really know of Universal Credit), but not sure how that would work with the employed and self employed status. No benefits are currently being claimed for.

I was initially waiting for information from the government regarding self employment, but as the majority of money is earned via PAYE I'm not sure whether it'll be relevant and to wait it out.

Understand that we're all in the same boat, but appreciate any advice so I can ease the worrying.

Many thanks.

dannyrblack

Hi I currently work for a company that was based in Scotland but set up a company in Finland due to contract finland. My problem is I have no idea where to turn to about what I'm entitled to regarding wages being paid due to being off due to Coronavirus outbreak as I am not allowed to return to work. Do you know if I am entitled to 80% of my wage as the company is based outside of the UK now nothing has been said about my situation and I doubt it will be and there is many employees in my situation.

selina2000

dannyrblack said:

Hi I currently work for a company that was based in Scotland but set up a company in Finland due to contract finland. My problem is I have no idea where to turn to about what I'm entitled to regarding wages being paid due to being off due to Coronavirus outbreak as I am not allowed to return to work. Do you know if I am entitled to 80% of my wage as the company is based outside of the UK now nothing has been said about my situation and I doubt it will be and there is many employees in my situation.

Your entitled to 100% of your wage.
Your employer is entitled to make you redundant if that is a necessity to save their business.
Best to see what you can negotiate, as opposed to what you are entitled to.

Jeremy535897

dannyrblack said:

Hi I currently work for a company that was based in Scotland but set up a company in Finland due to contract finland. My problem is I have no idea where to turn to about what I'm entitled to regarding wages being paid due to being off due to Coronavirus outbreak as I am not allowed to return to work. Do you know if I am entitled to 80% of my wage as the company is based outside of the UK now nothing has been said about my situation and I doubt it will be and there is many employees in my situation.

The 80% scheme is only available to UK employers with UK businesses (including non-profit).

Jeremy535897

itisgeorge said:

Hi all,

Posting on behalf of a family member who I help out with managing financials.

As an employee she earns around £900 per month, and was working up until the beginning of this week 23/03 when some flu like symptoms appeared and went into self isolation, she was told SSP could be claimed for the 2 weeks, with no further info (still waiting to hear). The next day the business temporarily closed while the outbreak continues; however not sure where this leaves wages as I've read the government will be paying up 80% - Is this down to the employer and will this be paid during the two week isolation or just SSP?

This salary is then topped up from a self employment business earning around £400 a month (varies however). Unfortunately due to the nature of the business, this has also ceased while the outbreak continues.

So the boat we're currently in is no money is being earned. I understand there could be a range of benefits that could be claimed (although only really know of Universal Credit), but not sure how that would work with the employed and self employed status. No benefits are currently being claimed for.

I was initially waiting for information from the government regarding self employment, but as the majority of money is earned via PAYE I'm not sure whether it'll be relevant and to wait it out.

Understand that we're all in the same boat, but appreciate any advice so I can ease the worrying.

Many thanks.

Read https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees#furloughed-workers
Wait till later today to see what might be offered to self employed.

lisaashton

Partner is a key worker but also classed as highly vulnerable even though he is well.   If he has to isolate for 12 weeks what can he claim money wise.  Most of our bills are in my name but if he is not earning my wage alone will not cover everything.   Help 

Phis01

Hello to All,

My Son is a construction worker (PAYE) and his employer has told him that he can not afford to keep paying him and that he will need to take unpaid absence from work; when Furlough was mention, his employer told him thatthe grant could only be claimed if the the employer contnued to pay (which he can't do as the business doesn't have excess money to cover wages and get extend their loans). This sseems to go against the Governemnent information where they state no-one will be laid off / not paid and everyone is eligible for to have 80% of their wages covered.

All very confusing, is my Son's employer trying to pull a fast one, just being lazy or simply getting bad advioce from his accountant (who has taken the same view).

Luckily my Son lives at hom, so doesn't have bills or mortgage at risk, but his employers sttatement is not ringing true.

Any help / adviice very mucy appreciated.
Mnay Thanks
Steve

calcotti

Phis01 said:

This sseems to go against the Governemnent information where they state no-one will be laid off / not paid and everyone is eligible for to have 80% of their wages covered.

All very confusing, is my Son's employer trying to pull a fast one, just being lazy or simply getting bad advioce from his accountant (who has taken the same view).

The government have not said that. They have announced a scheme to support employers, if they choose to use it, which will reimburse them 80% of wages. This does imply that employers need to spend the money first. However the government has also made loans available to small business so a business could (in theory) borrow the money to pay the wages and then claim it back.however this is all up to the employer to decide.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees

If your employer cannot cover staff costs due to COVID-19, they may be able to access support to continue paying part of your wage, to avoid redundancies.