Business closures help required

[Blackbird6]

Regretfully I have had to close my little dog walking business as of yesterday morning. Devastated to say the least but necessary. My question is which benefits am I entitled to now ..its not ESA as my copd is not worse ..I closed due to the virus according to my GP I need to make a sheild claim 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ anybody help many thanks I guess I will ring BLF as cant get through to the DWP 💕💕💕💕

[HungryHufflepuff]

Very sorry to hear that Blackbird ☹️

[Blackbird6 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Ah thankyou hoping its going to be temporary with old Boris putting us on lockdown and too many people about its the best thing to do ...💕💕

[Blackbird6]

Many thanks Karen you to stay safe 💕💕

[Jaybird19]

Sorry to hear that . You will be able to take it up again when this is over

I shall miss your beautiful photos.

Keep well

[Blackbird6 in reply to Jaybird19]

Thankyou Jaybird

I'm still going to get my exercise walk in daily I'm not stopping that stay safe and take care 💕💕💕

[Hidden]

Have any of your customers offered to carry on paying you anyway? That's what some people are doing to help the self employed eg hairdressers, cleaners, gardeners

[Blackbird6 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hanne

I wont take retainers as it's not their fault I have closed and dont know how long it's going to be for .

It's a difficult one hopefully I am able to claim something as due to being classed as vulnerable I would still be operating had it not been for the virus stay safe and take care 💕💕

[RoadRunner44]

Hi Blackbird. Firstly, I want to thank you for posting those beautiful photos . Will you still be able to do your walks inbthe forest? I know it would help tremendously if you can. That is if you are in a secluded area, away from other people.

It is so difficult for people like you who are self employed. My friend is so worried as her son is self employed in the building trade and have a young family to support. I can only send my best wishes to you and hope you can get some financial support during this time. As an after thought, will you be able to take up your dog walking job again when it's over?

Take care and let us know how you get on. Best wishes, Chrys xxx

[Blackbird6 in reply to RoadRunner44]

Hi Chrys thankyou so much ..

Yes I can still get out and will reopen later when this virus has gone and we are clear of everything.

I'm sorry for your friends son its just so wrong in many ways crazy world we live in ...you stay safe 💕💕

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Blackbird6]

Xxx

[Kittykat2]

Thought I read you can get £90a week if self employed not a lot but some help.Not sure its right but enquire about it as they are trying to help everyone

Keep posting your pics for us they are amazing.💕x

[Blackbird6 in reply to Kittykat2]

Hi thankyou for your reply. It's very difficult trying to get through on the phone...more than once waited an hour then got cut off from the DWP ..they are obviously extremely busy which I understand ...you stay safe 💕💕💕

[megshafer]

So sorry Blackbird, do they have unemployment benefits there? It seems there should be some kind of compensation for you.

Hoping you find assistance!!

Stay well, stay safe!!!

Meg🦋🌼🦋

[Blackbird6 in reply to megshafer]

Hi Meg

Yes we do have benefits I'm not used to claiming so didn't know where to turn . Bojo is coming up with a package for the self employed apparently you stay safe my friend 😂💕💕💕

[megshafer in reply to Blackbird6]

Good....hope you are doing very well!!!!

Stay safe!!!!

[Lemon7]

I don't have advice but want to wish you good luck with claim, hope someone will be able to advise you. Keep safe.

[Blackbird6 in reply to Lemon7]

Thanks lemon seems Bojo is coming up with a package otherwise spend hours on the phone to universal credit and they hang up due to the surge of calls 💕 stay safe and well 💕💕

[Caspiana]

I'm sorry to hear this Blackbird6 . 😓 I really hope it's temporary and you will be able to open again once the madness has passed. I can't help with your query but I hope everything works out. Take care. xx 👋😊

[Blackbird6 in reply to Caspiana]

Cas thankyou so much it's kind of you

You stay safe and well 💕💕💕

[Sandyeggo]

Sorry can’t help ya , so many small business owners here, hairdressers, nail salon, ALL the gym owners( very hard hit) had to close with only a few hours notice. We’re all lucky not to be in China though. Their quarantine was lifted too soon and the cycle only restarted🤷🏼‍♀️do you have enough food and essentials to get by? I do hope so-will have you in my thoughts. Check this out: over here they told us not to let anybody pet your dog as they can pass it to us in their fur( oh no did I just freak people out) DONT panic anybody. I haven’t heard of it actually happening it’s just something they’ve learned. So dog groomers had to shut their doors too. It’s a tough time hang tough

[Blackbird6 in reply to Sandyeggo]

Thanks Sandy its universal unfortunately and we are all suffering in one way or the other....

Hopefully this thing will disappear soon for all our sakes stay safe please 💕💕💕

[Mooka]

Hi blackbird my husband has had to give up his weekly exercising a guide dog too. If you are self employed the government is a bit slow announcing measures. I believe they are supposed to be giving some answers by the end of the week. I’m watching out for this as my daughter is a hairdresser and In the same boat. Love the photos too xx

[Blackbird6 in reply to Mooka]

Hi Mooka I'm sorry your hubby's had to give up and your daughter...keep safe and fingers crossed it's all getting sorted 💖💖

[kpm346]

All the best and hoping this madness is soon over. I am house bound as well but my dogs are a great comfort and companions. We just have to stay positive and don’t give up. Cyber hugs.

[Blackbird6 in reply to kpm346]

Hey Kpm thankyou very much ... I'm happy for you that your dogs give so much comfort enjoy them take care 💕

[Izb1]

Really sorry to hear this BB, I am sure once this madness passes you will be back to work. In the meantime could you make a claim on line on the gov.uk site? Hope you manage to get something to help you out, will be thinking of you and hope you can still manage the odd photo, we all love them, stay safe and well x

[Blackbird6 in reply to Izb1]

Hi thankyou izb

It's just a shock having to close I know the safer option ..but when you go from walking 12 kms a day with the best animals ever ...to nothing it gets you pretty bad ...

I'm hoping to start getting out and walking from home later I have been using the last few days to clean the van and the house within an inch of its life lol

Please stay safe and sound and thanks again 💕💕💕