Self-employed people in the county impacted by the lockdown restrictions are being urged to check to see if they can apply for a government grant of up to £6,570.

Launched by the government last month, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) offers a grant worth 70% of monthly trading profits for three months in a single sum worth up to £6,570.

Both self-employed people and those in a partnership whose business has been adversely affected by the pandemic are eligible for the funding.

This additional grant follows a first round of the scheme in July, with earlier recipients - and those who did not apply previously - all able to apply for support

Kent County Council cabinet member for economic development, Mike Whiting , said: “The government has indicated that 106,000 self-employed people in Kent and Medway are eligible for this scheme which may provide a lifeline for them.

“With over 20% still to be awarded funds we want to ensure that everyone who is self-employed knows about the support that’s out there and can access the grant if they are eligible. Self-employed people are critical to the Kent economy and to our local economic recovery .”

Jo James, chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, which runs the Kent & Medway Growth Hub, added: “Through the Kent & Medway Growth Hub’s Covid-19 Business Support Helpline, we have received over 10,000 calls from businesses seeking advice on what support they can get to help them through the business impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Many of the grants ended in August but the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been extended to give self-employed people further help."

For further information and business assistance, she urged the self-employed to call its business advisors on 03333 602300 .

Applications for the latest support scheme must be submitted by Monday, October 19.

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