Self-employed persons (SEPs) in Singapore suffered an average 60% loss in income during the COVID-19 circuit breaker, AWARE has found in a new survey.

While 60% of our 25 respondents managed to receive COVID-related government financial assistance, many encountered difficulties applying to SIRS (self-employed person income relief scheme).

How can we better help these workers? Based on our research, we recommend that the government:

a) Allow LTVP/+ holders to be officially self-employed
b) Make SIRS more inclusive and accessible, in various ways
c) Recognise (paid) labour performed in informal economies as self-employed work
d) Reduce barriers for SEPs to be eligible for all applicable schemes.

View our detailed survey findings below.