Media and entertainment union Bectu is calling on government for more help for freelance production staff as the coronavirus pandemic shuts down more and more productions.

Bectu says that delay to IR35 changes is welcome but more must be done including interest free loans and help for those renting their homes.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: “Bectu welcomes the delay to IR35. We have been calling for IR35 changes to be delayed for some time and the urgency for this to happen has been amplified by the coronavirus crisis.

“Now is not the time to introduce complicated measures that the private sector of the economy was not fully prepared for. This will provide some small relief for many freelancers who are now dealing with a scarcity of work due to coronavirus.

“Although this is a welcome move, alongside mortgage holidays, the government must do more to specifically support freelancers and the self-employed who are facing extremely challenging and uncertain times. Further measures need to be introduced to ensure that freelancers who facing their entire livelihoods being wiped out are not left in financial ruin.”

Bectu is calling for interest free tax back loans, other forms of borrowing such as credit card interest being suspended or slashed to zero as well as help for renters.

Jon Creamer

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