Thewliss (pictured) calls on chancellor to bring forward financial package.
Alison Thewliss MP has said introducing a financial package of support for self-employed and unemployed people “must be a key priority” for the Chancellor this week.
The SNP Shadow Chancellor has repeated calls for an urgent cross-party meeting on Monday to discuss the range of measures that should be taken to protect the incomes of freelancers, the self-employed, and unemployed people.
On Saturday, Ian Blackford wrote to Rishi Sunak setting out SNP proposals for an urgent package of support including – using the tax and welfare system to provide a guaranteed income for everyone, including self-employed people in the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, increasing UK Statutory Sick Pay to the EU national average, and strengthening welfare protections by increasing Child Benefit and making Universal Credit more flexible.
Commenting, SNP Shadow Chancellor Alison Thewliss MP said:
“Millions of freelancers, self-employed and unemployed people are understandably concerned about their incomes during this unprecedented emergency.
“There is broad consensus that bringing forward a comprehensive financial package of support for self-employed and unemployed people must be a key priority for the Chancellor this week.
“The SNP want the UK government to use the tax and welfare system to introduce a guaranteed income for everyone, raise UK Statutory Sick Pay to the EU average, and strengthen welfare protections by increasing Child Benefit and making Universal Credit more flexible.
“Political parties should get round the table on Monday to ensure all measures are considered and a meaningful financial package can be introduced as soon as possible.
“I urge the Chancellor to make that happen so we can e
