Addressing Inclusivity in the Spatial and Social Impacts of COVID-19 on the Self-employed in the UK, 2020-2021

The project investigated the social and spatial consequences of the coronavirus crisis on the self- employed in the UK. The project comprises two elements. First is an extensive secondary analysis of nationally representative UK survey data. This allowed detailed analysis of self-employment before, during and after the lockdown, including exits from self-employment and the ability of the self-employed to maintain earnings levels. A particular focus was on gender as early analysis of the impact of this crisis suggested that women are particularly affected. The secondary data analysis was augmented with narratives from self-employed women and men in different regions in the UK. 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with self-employed interviews. Of these, 15 were interviewed in November 2020. The remaining 15 interviews were conducted in February/March 2021 with individuals different to those in the first study period. The sample was stratified to cover a wide range of self-employed individuals by gender, age, eligibility for the Self-employment Income Support Scheme, sectors, education and region. Interviews were conducted online. Topics discussed included ease of access to government support, to bank finance and other sources of help, coping and recovery strategies and effectiveness of policy interventions. Interviews lasted about 30 minutes each.