Rutland MP Alicia Kearns is urging self-employed workers who were eligible for Government support during the pandemic to apply for a second and final grant through the _ Self Employment Income Support Scheme.

In the last six months, the Government has provided £12.6M to 4,000 self-employed people as part of the SEISS in Rutland and Melton.

This second and final grant will provide 70 percent of average monthly earnings, up to £6,570 for three months' worth of profits.

People who receive the grant can continue to work and start a new trade or take on other employment. This will give flexibility and stability for self-employed people across the United Kingdom and in Rutland and Melton.

Mrs Kearns said: "I urge eligible Rutland and Melton residents to apply for this grant which has already provided almost £13m for Rutland and Melton residents.

"The self-employed are the backbone of our local economy, so it is right that the Government is taking such unprecedented action to support them."

The MP says this support for self-employed people through the SEISS adds to more than £95 million provided to Rutland and Melton as part of the government's 'unprecedented' actions to protect the UK economy during the pandemic.

This includes

14,400 people helped through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

2,000 business grants paid, totalling more than £23 million

At least 127 businesses helped by the discretionary grant scheme, totalling more than £700,000

1,816 loans, totalling more than £74 million.

The Government has also introduced A Plan for Jobs that will provide up to £30 billion, including

£4.1 billion in VAT reductions for hospitality, accommodation and attractions

Up to £9.4 billion Job Retention Bonus

£5.6 billion in infrastructure spending

£3.8 billion in Stamp Duty temporary reductions

Mrs Kearns continued: "The support our businesses have received in Rutland and Melton has been vital to keep people afloat in this difficult time.

"Now, our responsibility is to generate our recovery and to encourage growth and investment across the UK, the East Midlands and in Rutland and Melton.

"The further support through the second SEISS grant, coupled with the continuing CJRS and the Government's Plan for Jobs means that the our communities and businesses will be well placed to strongly rebound as we recover from COVID-19.

"I also look forward to working with all levels of Government to level up public services and create jobs in Rutland and Melton."