The government has intervened to cover wages of employees up to £2,500 a month but there are no similar guarantees for the self-employed.
Mr Zeichner says: “The self employed and freelancers, whose income is now being seriously affected by the Coronavirus outbreak need urgent support. I don’t buy the argument this is hard to implement as there is a ready-made list because everyone self employed is registered for class 2 or 4 National Insurance contributions. It seems each step of the way we have to shame the government into taking action a few days late. Let’s hope they step up and do the right thing.”
The MP has signed a joint letter to the Chancellor.