25 Mar 2020

Alliance calls for extra support for the self-employed

Alliance calls for extra support for the self-employed news article image

Lisa Wainwright, CEO of the Alliance, said: “We are speaking regularly with our members to guide them, support them and to listen to their concerns.

“One of the reoccurring themes is the question of how our sport and recreation clubs could survive with so many of them relying upon self-employed coaches, teachers and support staff.

“In fact, several organisations I have spoken to have indicated that without additional support, we could see thousands of clubs close due to increasing financial uncertainty.

“This was an issue I raised as a matter of urgency directly to the Secretary of State and Sports Minister, on behalf of the sector.

“The workforce in sport includes almost 100,000 self-employed individuals and they must be protected.

“That is why we’re calling on government to protect the livelihoods of individuals and provide a greater chance for our sport and recreation clubs to continue to prosper.

“This of course is just one concern facing the sector at present, and we will continue to support our members in every possible way to make sure that they are fit for the future in these uncertain times.

“We are constantly reviewing and updating our Coronavirus Support guidance which provides the latest assistance for our members.

“The Alliance will be beside these organisations, who provide essential sport and physical activity to bring communities together, for the long run.”

Latest News

2 Jun 2026

Sport, volunteering and the connection crisis: four perspectives

A joint contribution from the Sport and Recreation Alliance, /Together, Sport England and the Eden Project.

Read more Arrow Right
22 May 2026

Alliance responds to PE and school sport funding announcement

The government has announced that it will be investing more than £1 billion in PE and school sport over the next three years.

Read more Arrow Right
20 Apr 2026

Alliance responds to DCMS Select Committee’s “Game On” Inquiry report

We welcome the publication of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s “Game On: Community and School Sport” report, which identifies a series of recommendations to government to strengthen grassroots sport and physical activity.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoJMW logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo