London,
12
October
2020
|
09:26
Europe/London

CIPR and PRCA view: Expansion of Chancellor's Job Support Scheme "another missed opportunity" to support the self-employed

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations and Communications Associations (PRCA) have issued the following joint statement following the Chancellor's announcement on the extension of the Job Support Scheme (JSS) last Friday.

Joint statement:

We find ourselves again in the position of welcoming only part of the Chancellor's latest measures - on this occasion the extension the Job Support Scheme (JSS). This serves as a welcome recognition of the long-term impact the pandemic is having on areas of the economy but is yet again another missed opportunity to offer any substantial support to the self-employed. 

This approach to supporting the economy acknowledges that certain sectors and regions will be more financially vulnerable than others. However, the support announced once again fails to recognise individuals who have recently gone independent or who are directors of their own limited company. This is unacceptable and fails to support the Chancellor's claims of doing "whatever is necessary to protect jobs and livelihoods as the situation evolves". The situation has evolved yet the government insists that certain parts of our economy must face months of unfair economic hardships.

We have repeatedly highlighted the economic value these individuals create. Many have barely survived the last six months. We don't want to be in a position in six months’ time where these businesses have simply collapsed for lack of support.

The alternative is a support package that will allow them to play their part in rebuilding the economy and we are calling on the government, as a matter of urgency, to extend the support measures to give them the opportunity to do so.

Alastair McCapra - CEO, Chartered Institute of Public Relations

Francis Ingham MPRCA - Director General, Public Relations and Communications Association

 

 
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About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations

Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas with nearly 10,000 members.

The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).