Letters to the Editor:- "Sanderling Park in Formby"

"Dear Mersey Reporter, I'm writing to you to ask if you might be able to help with a concern of mine and many other residents of Sanderling Park in Formby. Redrow has refused to shut down construction during the pandemic despite the many government warnings of non essential work to stop so that people can protect themselves and those at risk around them. As a resident on the estate I continually see workers in close proximity / groups outside congregating, chatting, not complying with 2 meter rules as well as being in groups around residents and children on the property who are walking on the streets. Is there anything you can do to help? I am hugely concerned for the safety of the elderly population in this area as well as the construction workers and their families. Redrow has refused to acknowledge my concerns and will not respond to any of my emails. As you know, staying home saves lives and we all need to comply the government at this time. Peoples health should be worth more than a company's profits." Best wishes, Cheryl.

Editors note:- "Sadly this is an extremely complex topic currently, as you might find that many workers are self employed and without the work, they will not get the required cash to keep themselves and their families going, even with the bailout, that many have found this will not help them in the end... We have contacted the local MP and also Redrow for comment."

Self employed package gets cautious welcome from business specialist

THE new measures announced by the Government to help the self employed have been welcomed; but with a cautious message by a leading regional business specialist. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the scheme will only be open 'to those who are already self employed and have a Self Assessment Tax Return for 2019' and apply to those with trading profits of up to ₤50,000 per year. The scheme should be accessible by:- 'no later than June and capture 95% of the self employed.'  Oliver McCann of regional law firm Napthens said the new self employed Income Support Scheme was very welcome relief for the region's army of self employed people. But he warned them:- "Check out the rules and the details, especially if you have only set up your business this year. The precise application of the eligibility criteria isn't clear for these self employed people who may not have submitted an income tax return for 2019because they have only just created their company. The Chancellor is saying he will give more time for those who haven't completed a tax return for last year but I would recommend that they check if they do qualify and what they need to do quickly. Some individuals who run their own business but through a limited company may also be caught between this scheme and the job retention scheme announced for employees last week on the basis that typically these individuals take their earnings as employed income up to the tax free personal allowance and the rest as dividends. They will need to check the rules which may take a week or so to be communicated, similar to the period of time to do so for the job retention scheme. Many of these people will be caught in their own specific circumstances so they need to get advice quickly and refer to the terms of this scheme. They should also remember that they have already had a deferral of income tax for the rest of this year so that will help with cash flow."

Self employed and small businesses still in danger

A worldwide credit crunch triggered by the Coronavirus could make the 2008 Credit Crunch pale in comparison. Already feeling the impact of the pandemic, with wide spread insolvencies and job losses looming. Even with the support given by the UK Government, we are facing dark times. 477,000 people had submitted new claims for universal credit sparked fears that unemployment is climbing to levels never seen before, as businesses who have had to close their doors as a result of the stringent social distancing measures.  Already, many businesses, especially those run by the self employed are on the blink. In order to:- 'prevent human catastrophe' over Coronavirus, as many have found out that the self employed cover, based on profits, is not going to help.

Currently British companies who are now struggling amid the Coronavirus outbreak, are about to gain a little more help,  as the UK Government get ready to give greater protection from bankruptcy under emergency changes to insolvency laws.  The Liberal Democrat leadership contender Layla Moran, who has called for a more lenient bankruptcy regime during the crisis, said:- "We must do this, jobs are on the line."

But others are also pointing out that the Government has still not taken into account that many self employed, often have to buy products and the delay in paying support will paralyze them. Also, many have found that, due to the nature of the trades they are in, that they will not get enough back to cover losses, due to the fact the Government is paying on profits and not turnover! The Government has forgotten that many are classed and run as businesses and not as employees. Many who have been investing in their businesses and have made a loss as a result, will not receive anything!  The question is, will this change in the "wrongful trading" rules also help them?  Others point out that any changes must last longer than the lockdown and a few months after, as it will take at least a year if not longer for things to recover.  Please let us know your thoughts on this and are you let down by the 'support' being offered to small businesses and to the self employed?  If you let us know, we will push your concerns on and see if we can get a response for your Members of Parliament, via emailing us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.com.  For advice for self employed and small businesses, please visit the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) website.