PCG seeks candidates views on freelancer policies

The Professional Contractors Group (PCG) is asking parliamentary candidates in all constituencies for their views on a range of issues that affect the freelance community. The questions are based on a recent survey of its membership in which PCG sought to establish which issues were of most concern to freelancers, and what they would like to see done about them.

The random sample phone survey was conducted on PCG’s behalf during February and March, and highlighted IR35 as being the single most important issue, with half the respondents wanting it abolished and another 40 per cent wanting it reformed. Nearly three quarters of respondents wanted a statutory right to self-employment and the abdication of employment rights.

PCG is seeking the views of parliamentary candidates on these issues and a range of policy suggestions such as the abolition of IR35, the creation of a statutory right to self-employment, a reversal on the Inland Revenue’s current stance on S660A and a greater use of small businesses in government procurement.

PCG chairman Simon Juden said, “PCG is the heart of the freelance community, and our independent research shows that for 80 per cent of freelancers there is nothing more important than their business affairs when choosing who to vote for. This exercise will keep our members informed on candidates' views about these critical issues, as well as ensuring that candidates are aware of the concerns of Britain’s freelance community, who play such a vital role in the local and national economy.

“We need to ensure that their priorities and concerns are high on the political agenda,” Dr Juden continued. “It is not right that the views of nearly three million small business owners and taxpayers should be swept aside or ignored. There is a growing trend towards freelancing and flexible working, and government policies on taxation, employment status and public sector procurement need to reflect that.”