Volunteers wanted for interviews - impact of Covid-19 on the self-employed

lady in workshop

A research team from The Open University, Southampton and Cardiff Universities are undertaking research on the economic impacts of Covid-19 on the self-employed. The project is funded by UK Research Councils as part of their rapid response to the crisis.

As part of our research, we are conducting interviews with self-employed individuals to hear their experiences including how their business has been impacted and if they were able to access government or other support.

We would like to speak to a range of self-employed people, including sole traders, freelances and owners of limited companies, particularly if you are based in London and the South East, and the Midlands or North of England. All interviews will be anonymised and we are happy to provide further information should you think you may be able to help.

We would especially like to speak with people working in one of the following sectors:

  • Construction/building trades
  • Human facing services (for example, hairdressing or tourism)
  • Other services (for example, taxi drivers or delivery drivers)
  • Professional (for example, graduate self-employment)
  • Creatives or performing arts (for example, graphic designers or musicians)

If you'd like to take part or would like further information, please contact us.

Upcoming Events

Mar 10

Doing Academia Differently: Professional Development Symposium for Doctoral Students and Early-Career Academics

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 09:00 to 17:00

Michael Young Building, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BB

This one-day symposium on ‘Doing Academia Differently’ will provide inspiration and support for PhD and early-career academics to approach the complex tensions and dilemmas of contemporary academia in new and creative ways.

Sep 2

Caring Feminisms Across Borders Conference

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 09:00 to Friday, September 4, 2026 - 17:00

University of Donja Gorica, Oktoih 1, Podgorica 81000, Montenegro

This academic conference hopes to draw feminist scholars, activists and communities together to consider what caring feminism across borders might mean now and for the future.

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