28.04.20
BCA calls for government support for self-employed health practitioners
As social distancing measures enforce us to keep apart as a society, it has left many health practitioners, including chiropractors, dentists and physiotherapists, unable to physically treat their patients during this time.
As such, thousands of health professionals across the UK are facing huge and ongoing financial pressure within the current coronavirus outbreak – no different to the many small business owners and self-employed up and down the country.
To address the concerns, the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) have contacted Chancellor Rishi Sunak, calling for further support for small businesses and the self-employed across the board.
Specifically, they are seeking allowance for directors of small businesses to access either the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CIRS) or Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) to expedite the process of delivering funds under SEISS before it is due to go live in June, as well as making the process of accessing Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILs) smoother.
Catherine Quinn, President of the BCA, said: “Alongside small business owners and the self-employed, thousands of health professionals in the UK are facing huge and ongoing financial pressure within the current crisis.
“Health practitioners including chiropractors, dentists and physiotherapists, are unable to physically treat their patients during this time. Whilst we absolutely understand and uphold the social distancing measures in place to protect the public, we have collectively written to the Chancellor calling for more support for small businesses and the self-employed.
“Many chiropractors face acute challenges in keeping their businesses afloat – behind these businesses are hard-working people supporting their families, paying taxes and contributing to the wider economy.
“The need for more support is critical.
“We hope our diverse coalition of voices and collective strength encourages the Chancellor to be true to his word and amend the existing schemes to cover and support all of these vital businesses and services, not just the few.”