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Call for Evidence From Those Missing out on SEISS Due to Maternity Leave

Campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed are calling on those whose Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claim has been affected by maternity leave. Due to the massive response to their campaign so far, the Government’s deadline for evidence has been extended.

Published: 04 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
A female musician holding a guitar and a baby next to her
Following wide-spread coverage, the Committee received so much evidence that they’ve extended the deadline for contributions. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Those who are self-employed and have taken leave for maternity, paternity or adoption are at risk of falling through the net of the Government’s SEISS.

The campaign group, Pregnant Then Screwed, sent a report to the Women and Equalities Select Committee on why SEISS discriminates against women. The campaign was featured on BBC news on Friday 1 May.

Following wide-spread coverage, the Committee received so much evidence that they’ve extended the deadline for contributions.

Pregnant Then Screwed encourages those who believe new mums shouldn’t be penalised just for taking maternity leave to make sure that they write to the committee and tell them how their family has been affected.

They encourage those writing to the Committee to include:

  • The impact this will have on your family, including career and childcare options going forward
  • When you took maternity leave and how long for
  • How much your maternity reduced your annual income by
  • How maternity reduces your average income (calculated across the three tax years 2016-17, - 2018-19)

Write to the Women and Equalities Select Committee.

Take further action for musicians

It is vital that no musicians are left to fall through the cracks. This is why we’re encouraging all musicians to write to their MPs now.

Personal stories really do help – they show MPs the truth of the situation and give them case studies to show Government that it is urgent. We need to make sure that all self-employed musicians are truly covered.

We have the full details on how to email your MP, including a template letter if you’re not sure how to get started.

Take action now.

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