By day three of the pandemic most of my client list had vanished. Throughout the rest of the week, emails dripped in with a version of the same message,  ‘Due to the coronavirus we have put a hold on all projects/cancelled all events/ceased trading.’  And just like that, my freelance business ground to a halt.

The self-employed community welcomed the Chancellor's Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) to help ease the financial pressures many are under during the current crisis. However, as many as 2 million self-employed individuals are estimated to be ineligible for the scheme. To see if you are able to claim, we've designed a SEISS infographic.

The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme was launched to provide financial support to self-employed individuals who meet certain criteria. Emma James, the Number Ninja, explains what those criteria are, how to claim, what other support might become available and what are the alternatives for those who are not eligible.

We are all feeling the impact of COVID-19 and it can often seem like an endless feed of bad news. At Freelancer Club, we've joined a bunch of companies who are offering various services for free during the pandemic. All Freelancer Club members can gain access to our virtual events to help with development and support during this turbulent time. We're also giving every account £200 in Concierge Credits to spend on freelance hires. Here is a list of other companies who are helping out.

Self-isolation, social distancing, lockdown… Let’s face it, for many of us, this basically just means slowly sinking into the sofa, staring blankly at a screen (see, you’re doing it right now) and mindlessly munching on the irrational food choices that we just panic-bought in bulk. With the outside world being so unsettling and chaotic at the moment, it makes sense that we’d rather work our way through a super-bumper-multi-mega-extra large pack of biscuits than work on creative project ideas as freelancers. Although we all deserve some time out from the pressures and anxieties of this global pandemic, this doesn’t mean we have to stagnate at the expense of our creativity.

The Freelancer Club sprung into action as soon as coronavirus hit the headlines. As a micro-business, we were able to pivot our position and provide our members with invaluable support during this crisis. We also ramped up our levels of activism and, with the help of our 40,000 members, campaigned hard to pressure Government into providing support for the self-employed. Here's a roundup of just some of the interviews, quotes and features to keep you up to date, with lots more to come.

The coronavirus outbreak of 2020 has stopped the world in its tracks. The streets are empty and there is no evidence of the once common hustle and bustle of the 9-5 workday. Despite this, most businesses (both large and small) continue to operate, albeit from the comfort of their own homes. It is an anxious time, and the depleting workforce of many businesses reflects this. Staff may be suffering with poor health, both mental and physical. What are your choices? Accept a dip in productivity? Throw in the towel? Or find solutions to keep the show on the road. You’re an entrepreneur, a problem solver - of course you’re going to find ways to make it work. 

Social distancing, self isolation and empty shelves in supermarkets. Welcome to the new norm. As freelancers adapt to the changes in their lives, Freelancer Club is doing exactly the same. When I started Freelancer Club more than 5 years ago, we had one simple mission: to support creative freelancers and we remain committed to this mission now more than ever. We've been listening to you, brainstorming ideas and working hard to adapt to the corona crisis. Below is an outline of the changes we've made to Freelancer Club membership.