Millions spent on supporting Wigan's self-employed workers during pandemic

New statistics show the support given to people in Wigan, Makerfield and Leigh to help cover lost earnings due to the outbreak and lockdown.

A total of 2,800 self-employed people in Wigan received £6.7m in Government grants through the second tranche of the self-employment income support scheme. A further 2,900 people in Makerfield got £7.3m while 3,200 workers in Leigh received a total of £7.9m.

These grants covered up to 70 per cent of average monthly profits, available for June to August, and do not need to be repaid.

They add to the first slice of funding, when self-employed people could claim up to 80 per cent of their average monthly profits for March to May.

The total value of claims made up to the end of July were £9.3m in Wigan, £10.1m in Makerfield and £11.1m in Leigh.

Coun Michael Winstanley, leader of the Conservatives on Wigan Council, said: “I know this year has been hugely challenging for self-employed workers in Makerfield and Wigan, and these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Conservative Government has put in place to support their livelihoods. This support has been absolutely vital for self employed workers.

“Never has the Conservatives’ agenda to level up the whole county been so important – giving our entrepreneurs the confidence they need as they look ahead to the future.”

Self-employed people have had six months of income support during the coronavirus pandemic through the initiative.

The Government also supported businesses and employees through its furlough scheme, which is due to end this month despite calls for it to be extended.

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