The branch passed the following motion at our meeting tonight (29 September).
Last Friday, 25 September 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced further financial assistance for the employed due to the continuing and escalating Coronavirus pandemic.
The UK government will pay staff members covered by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme a further 60 percent of average monthly earnings for up to the next six months.
The self employed will only receive 20 percent of average monthly earnings.
The NUJ LIBNM branch condemns this grossly unfair decision that for a third time sees the self employed receiving less support than their fellow staff workers.
This latest financial package will see those earning approximately £2000 or less every month receive less support than if they were on a basic Universal Credit benefit. This will impact more than five million people and will force many further into poverty and to seek benefits, thus leading the country into further the economic crash.
LIBNM calls on the NUJ to oppose this latest government finical package in the strongest possible terms and work towards demanding a financial package that will keep the self employed and the country working.
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