High Peak MP Robert Largan speaks out for self-employed during emergency powers debate on coronavirus

Giving his maiden speech as MPs debated emergency powers tackling the virus in Parliament on Monday Mr Largan told how small business owners were ‘worried about the future’.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has guaranteed that self-employed people unable to work due to social distancing or self-isolation can claim Universal Credit.

However it is estimated that each household will see their take home pay reduced by an average of £781 per month if they have to claim the benefit whereas those in full-time employment will have 80 per cent of their wages guaranteed by the Government.

Mr Largan said: “I stand here with a secure job - for the next four years at least - and a guaranteed salary.

“That many of my constituents do not have the same security plays heavily on my mind.

“I am particularly concerned about the self-employed - they do not benefit from the job retention scheme and many are seeing a big drop in their income.

“The Government have sensibly brought in protections such as the mortgage holiday and suspension of evictions but many self-employed people - often with families to support - are understandably worried about the future so I call on the Government to look urgently at more ways to support them.”

The MP also praised the people of High Peak for ‘pulling together’ and helping each other during the current crisis.