COVID-19 brings a unique set of challenges for UK freelancers. In this article, there are some key pieces of advice that may help navigate you through the crisis.

COVID-19 has brought with it a unique set of challenges for freelancers in the UK. You may be wondering how best to look after your health and finances. While we can’t give specific recommendations on how to run your business to mitigate risk, there are nonetheless pieces of advice that may help.

Photo by Pille-Riin Priske and Blog by Lauren Stevens

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The coronavirus pandemic has led to unprecedented circumstances.  As a UK freelancer, you may be asking yourself what to do during this uncertain time. How will you get clients, and what should you do if you can’t find work? How do you keep yourself and loved ones safe and healthy and, what support is out there should you become unwell?

Looking after yourself and those around you is the priority. Follow government guidance and work from home where you can to keep yourself and those around you safe.

You can sign up to government email alerts to make sure you stay up to date with developments and government recommendations.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is also a reliable resource for information relating to the pandemic.

Communication is key to any successful professional relationship. During this uncertain time, it is more important than ever to communicate clearly with clients about your circumstances and make arrangements to minimise disruption – for instance, if you are unwell.

Additionally, check with clients about their situation to ensure you are still able to work for them and that payment terms are unaffected.

The government has introduced new measures to support freelancers and small businesses during this time, including:

• the COVID-19 Self-employment Income Support Scheme;
• more comprehensive access to Universal Credit;
• changes to the New Style Employment and Support Allowance;
• delays to the next self-assessment payments;
• new Time to Pay arrangements for HMRC liabilities;
• a COVID-19 helpline;
• a new, temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme; and
• a 12-month delay to the rollout of IR35 changes.

There are online benefits calculators such as Turn2Us, or you can call the COVID-19 helpline above.

Your bank may be able to provide extra assistance with managing your finances, including overdrafts and loan repayments.

For instance, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme described in the previous section aims to support small UK businesses by allowing access to bank loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance for up to 6 years. Under this scheme, the government will cover the first 12 months of interest repayments and any lender-levied fees. All major banks are offering this scheme, to apply simply talk to your bank or one of the 40 accredited finance providers.

You may have 'force majeure' clauses or income protection contracts in place which could cover losses during the crisis. You could also be entitled to termination payments if a deal ends early; this is entirely dependent on the terms of your contract.

Unprecedented times present us with a new set of challenges, but we hope that with the advice above you will be able to navigate any problems the pandemic brings.

A full breakdown of help and support if you’re unemployed is available on the government website.

And, if you’re looking for work, you can find opportunities on our website by signing up here. 

Check out more advice on Covid-19 here. 

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