self-employed – I Am Birmingham

The government's self-employed coronavirus crisis support package was initially £94 per week

“I can’t pay my bills” – UK’s self-employed freelancers respond to government coronavirus plans

Denise JamesMarch 23, 2020April 8, 202001 mins

As the government responds to short term financial fears of millions of UK workers due to the coronavirus crisis, self-employed freelancers react with shock as they feel ignored by the government’s suggestion to ‘sign on’. While worried about paying the bills, or keeping a roof over their heads, the government has responded with a minimum living wage…

Poet, stage manager and performer Vikki MacWinyers from Birmingham

Local poet sets up emergency fund for freelance performers during coronavirus crisis

Vimal KorpalMarch 21, 2020April 8, 202001 mins

A performing poet from Birmingham has set up an emergency fund to help freelancers in the arts, amid the coronavirus crisis which is leaving many self-employed artists out of work. Vicki MacWinyers, a stage manager whose résumé includes working at Birmingham REP and the mac, has set a target of £10,000 to help artists whose work has been…