The trade body for electrical professionals in Scotland, SELECT, have given a reserved welcome to Chancellor, Rishi Sunak’s measures for the self-employed, which were announced last week (March 27th, 2020). The trade body insists clarity is still very much needed.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT said: “SELECT welcomes the measures that have been announced, which we believe will provide much-needed help and reassurance, both for our members and other construction professionals.
“However, more guidance is required on the work which the self-employed are able to do following the First Minister’s announcement earlier this week regarding work on construction sites. We are expecting further guidance from the Scottish Government this week which we hope will clarify matters.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last Thursday that the UK’s five million self-employed workers, many of them who are in the construction sector, have been offered a package of grant support and tax measures to help offset the impact of them being able to work. Critically however, no money will be paid out until June, which will leave many struggling financially in the meantime.
Mr Wilson continued: “The measures are welcome, but their delay has caused huge anxieties to our members for well over a week but at least they have now been announced and we will be studying closely their impact over the next couple of days.
“As a leading member of the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, we will also discuss these new developments with our fellow organisations and continue to press for further clarity and assistance for the thousands of construction professionals across Scotland.”
Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, Fiona Harper, said: “In addition to these new measures, SELECT will continue to offer advice and support through our dedicated online hub, and our staff will talk members through their opinions on our many helplines.
“We have received a large volume of calls this week from self-employed members who are concerned about what the future holds. While this announcement is welcome, this is only the beginning of a long and anxious period for contractors across Scotland.
“Our Employment team will use this new information to provide further advice by any means necessary to ensure members are reassured and prepared for the coming weeks.”
Before the self-employed measures were announced on March 26th, the UK Government had undertaken to pay 80 per cent of the wages of those employees who are unable to work due to the COVID-19 outbreaks. The scheme will cover wages up to £2,500 per month.
SELECT is Scotland’s largest trade association, with almost 1,250 members businesses with a collective turnover of approximately £1 billion, employing more than 15,000 people and 3,500 apprentices.
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