Chancellor increases packages for businesses and workers, but offers no support for self-employed dentists
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- Published: Thursday, 29 October 2020 11:00
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The chancellor has unveiled further support plans for jobs and workers hit by COVID-19 restrictions, through changes to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and Job Support Scheme (JSS). But, the BDA says, it means colleagues with low to no NHS earnings ‘could be left dangerously exposed as we head into winter.’ The Chancellor has also confirmed that the temporary waiver of VAT on personal protective equipment would not be extended beyond the end of October.
The BDA points out that, under the plan, SEISS grants are now being offered to support those who experience reduced demand due to COVID-19 but are continuing to trade, or temporarily cannot trade. However, by sticking to flawed eligibility criteria - in the shape of the £50,000 cap - it appears the SEISS package will continue to leave any self-employed dentists who experience a fall in income without needed support.
The BDA says: “We are yet to see the impact new restrictions are having on footfall in practices, but it means colleagues with low to no NHS earnings could be left dangerously exposed as we head into winter. The JSS scheme has seen some welcome changes. Employers will pay less, and staff can work fewer hours before they qualify, while the taxpayer subsidy has been doubled. We continue to challenge the £50k cap and lobby for improved financial support for self-employed dentists. We will update you when more information is available.”
Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs:
The government has announced it will significantly increase the generosity and reach of its winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come, supporting jobs and helping to contain the virus.
- open businesses which are experiencing considerable difficulty will be given extra help to keep staff on as government significantly increases contribution to wage costs under the Job Support Scheme, and business contributions drop to 5%
- business grants are expanded to cover businesses in particularly affected sectors in high-alert level areas, helping them stay afloat and protecting jobs
- grants for the self-employed doubled to 40% of previous earnings
In recognition of the challenging times ahead, the Chancellor said he would be increasing support through the existing Job Support and self-employed schemes, and expanding business grants to support companies in high-alert level areas. This builds on agreements reached with Local Authorities moving to Alert Level very high, with extra support for businesses, jobs and the economic recovery.
The Treasury has confirmed that the 20% sales tax would once more apply to protective equipment bought by firms and consumers from November, after a six-month exemption. While care homes and the healthcare sector can access PPE from the Department of Health and Social Care, the increase could mean extra costs for businesses and ordinary people, who are legally bound to use masks in shops and on public transport.
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