Mathew has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking for financial support for the self-employed during the coronavirus emergency.

Last week's announcement of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme brought welcome relief to thousands of individuals and families in the Hendon constituency who were understandably worried about losing their income.

However, whilst changes to Universal Credit have been announced to help the self-employed on zero hour contracts and in the gig economy, many self-employed are not eligible. These include builders, decorators, plumbers, electricians, taxi drivers, osteopaths, chiropodists, hairdressers, beauticians, private teachers, driving instructors, cooks, actors, people working freelance for major companies, to name but a few of a long list.

Matthew said: "The self-employed are the backbone of our economy and they will be vital for our recovery when this crisis is over.

"I appreciate that providing financial support for the self-employed is not as straightforward as providing support for the employed on PAYE but I have written formally to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, asking him to find a way urgently to assist the self-employed in a similar way to the employed."