Covid funding available for Welsh freelances
Following talks between the government and trade unions, grants of up to £1,000 will be available.
The NUJ, as part of the Wales TUC Cultural and Creative Sector Group, has been instrumental in persuading the Welsh government to increase the funding package to support the sector in Wales during Covid restrictions.
Vaughan Gething MS, the economy minister, said that under the latest £120m financial package of support, local authorities will deliver a discretionary Emergency Business Fund for business and sole traders who do not pay rates. Following discussions with partners, industry and trade unions, the government agreed to increase the award for qualifying sole traders, freelances and taxi drivers who do not pay rates to £1,000 from the previous £500.
There is more information on the Business Wales website and as the scheme will open at different times, member should approach their own local authority. If you experiene an problems, contatct [email protected] so the NUJ's Welsh Executive Council can lobby the Welsh Government to resolve them.
David Nicholson, NEC member for Wales said:
“The NUJ in Wales with our sister unions hold regular meetings with the Welsh government and we were successful in getting local council discretionary payments to freelancer members increased from £500 to £1,000.
“This money will help those members in Wales adversely affected by the Covid restrictions put in place before Christmas. This is a real benefit from NUJ involvement with the Wales TUC and our meetings with government ministers and officials.”