If you have lost your business ...

[WhenItIsOver]

If you have lost your business and income, what are you doing/planning to do?

Especially if you are in the last group to be allowed back into the world, ie: ones that require an audience or gathering to actually function so no hope of pulling it back, assuming nothing changes by the end of the year.

Please tell me how you are getting through the days, how you are planning to survive.

[WhenItIsOver]

Just me then

[Whitney101]

What is your business OP?

DH has lost his job. I’m not in the same boat but have similar feels of dread and doom. You have a lot of sympathy from me.

[WhenItIsOver]

Thank you Whitney. It is a family business and they have been working themselves into the ground to build it. An industry that relies on social contact, large groups of people, huge venues. Went from very busy to nothing overnight.

Because of the premises not eligible for the grant, not eligible for help with anything, just a loan which really isn't going to be much use by the end of the year.

I am not working and no chance of doing so, barely leave the house, even for shopping now. Just don't know what to do.

[ArchbishopOfBanterbury]

I'm sorry you're in this situation.

My close friend owns a hair salon. In the interim she's got a job as a home delivery driver for tesco. Would you consider getting another job for the moment?

[LatteLoverLovesLattes]

I want to work for myself again, but NO idea what?

Previous businesses not possible in this climate.

Currently furloughed but expect to either be made redundant or needing to resign (not shielding list, but vulnerable, current job too risky for me).

But it's finding that 'fab idea' isn't it 🥺

[Killerqueen2244]

I know how you feel, I work(ed) in the leisure industry self employed. I really have no idea what to do next or whether to sit tight. Retraining in a brand new industry is expensive and I wouldn’t even know where to start having worked in leisure all my life. It’s so difficult to see a way out long term!

[Lavenderpurple]

Sorry to hear you’re in this situation.
I’m self employed in a job that requires close contact. I’m also pregnant, so when I am allowed back to work unsure if I should return. But what choice have I got, not work, not earn and let the scraps of my business go down the drain or work, salvage what I can but risk my health and my unborn babies health. Not eligible for financial help either. I’m so miserable with the whole situation.

[WhenItIsOver]

I am not employable for a few reasons. What I was doing for the business was fine because I didn't need to go anywhere. I was due to have surgery this year. Without the business there will be no money for the mortgage or insurance or anything else. Government 'help' doesn't include us.

I just wondered what other people are doing in the same situation.

[Mimishimi]

I have no idea. I am a hair and makeup artist. My job essentially depends on large functions - whether it an awards night, wedding, christening etc. I have had no income for at least a month. Upside is I am not spending anything either - no overheads thank goodness.

[Lightsabre]

Have you started to claim benefits?

[Lightsabre]

...and also your mortgage provider. The
Money saving expert forum has advice.

[PrincessConsuelaBananahamm0ck]

We haven't lost our business yet, but its looking increasingly likely. Have been given a lifeline in the last few days with the announcement of the new bounce back loan scheme. But feeling pretty cynical about whether we'll be eligible when it actually comes down to the small print being released. We've fallen through the cracks a bit so far, although have just applied for some universal credit having previously thought we weren't entitled to anything (seems we might be). We have some cash reserves but only a few weeks worth, we've furloughed our staff and are just trying to stay positive. I have some okay days, but then some days where I feel tearful all the time. I said to my husband yesterday that the only thing I can compare this feeling to is grief. I feel like someone has died. But still trying to hope we can get through it.

[friendlycat]

My business that I own is in the hospitality sector and has been very successful for nearly 3 decades. What was looking to be a very promising year has now gone to zero with no work at all. I can ride it out until next year. But what will the clients look like. What will the social distancing rules be etc etc? Yes I do have savings that I will have to live off and obviously I am thankful that I do and feel so desperately sorry for others in less fortunate positions. But I am so hugely resentful. I do think that the Government do need to start spelling out their exit strategies for the future so that people can at least start their own planning and put in their own necessary measures which will take a lot of time and money and planning.

[BriocheBriocheBrioche]

I work in organising international events and all my previous experience has been in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors.
My business has no income for the foreseeable future.

I need to start looking for a job to tide us over but with no school its difficult to be able to commit to something. Especially as 0 hour contracts don't exist where I live.

[WhenItIsOver]

Have you started to claim benefits?
I already get everything I am eligible for.

Partner has already looked into and applied for everything that was supposed to be available. However, due to renting an office rather than a shop none of the help applies to the business, other than the bank loan which will just be more debt.

Staff are furloughed but money hasn't come in.

It seems that help is available but not for people like us.

[WhenItIsOver]

What are the requirements for Universal Credit please? I don't think we can claim but if someone knows...