The Professional Contractors Group (PCG) has expressed concerns about the possible effect of introducing yet more red tape for owners of small and micro businesses. It was responding to reports that the Government would support a European Union directive giving temporary workers the same pay and benefits as permanent employees from the outset.
Whilst PCG supports the aims of legislation which will protect vulnerable temporary workers and outlaw exploitation, its own evidence suggests that PCG members do not fall into this category.
PCG chairman Dr Simon Juden said, “We fear that the burdens on client and contractor alike would be large and could therefore discourage the use of professional freelancers. We are not persuaded that these
We are not persuaded these measures are necessary...freelance workers should be excluded
Dr. Simon Juden - PCG
measures are necessary in this broad scope and feel that incorporated freelance workers should be excluded from such legislation.”
PCG, with the support of smallbusiness|europe and MEPs from all parties, is trying to establish an accurate picture of the EU freelancer community. At its behest, Peter Skinner MEP has already tabled a question urging research and PCG believes that it would make sense for all concerned with protecting and encouraging enterprise across the EU to have that information before signing up to "one size fits all" legislation that it believes to be inappropriate.
“Clearly there is a great deal of further discussion ahead,” Dr Juden said, “and PCG will ensure that the voice of the freelancer community is heard by continuing the dialogue with the Government, trades union and other interested parties.”
Source: PCG