Local authorities yesterday started a scheme to help newly self-employed people facing hardship because of coronavirus.
In Edinburgh, one-off grants of £2,000 are available under the Newly Employed Hardship Fund. Payment will be made early this month.
Depute Leader Cammy Day says the money is aimed at preventing newly self-employed workers from falling through the net by providing critical funding to keep their business afloat.
‘I'm pleased that the fund is now available to the people of Edinburgh,’ he said yesterday. ‘Our officers will be working hard to turn applications around as quickly as possible over the coming weeks.’
Eligibility and applications
To be eligible, you must:
- live in the Edinburgh Council area
- have begun self-employment on or after 6 April 2020
- meet ALL eight of the relevant criteria.
Here is where you apply. You should receive a response within 10 working days.
Alternative support is also available for people who became self-employed BEFORE 6 April.
Information is also available on other kinds of support available to businesses and workers.
