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PCG calls for fresh approach to freelancing

Published on Jan 6, 2010 |

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The leading contractor representative group is calling on the Government and policy makers to take a fresh approach to freelancing at the start of the new decade.

John Brazier, MD of the PCG said:

"All too often Government and policy framers have failed to pay adequate attention to the needs of the UK's 1.4 million freelancers. Freelance businesses are part of the bedrock of the private sector, bringing a degree of flexibility and a skill set to the economy which is a real asset for UK plc."

PCG recently launched its Fairness, clarity, recognition: Manifesto for freelancing in what will be a General Election year. Copies have been sent to all MPs and PPCs as well as stakeholders.

Freelancing should be recognised as a valid way of working

John Brazier added: "There needs to be a clear recognition of freelancing as a valid way of working; fairer taxation, better regulation, easier access to the market for the smallest businesses and a proper appreciation of the changing work patterns for millions of people."

Fairer tax and regulatory regime

PCG is leading the way by calling for a fairer tax and regulatory regime.

"We want to see a pro-business climate fostered in the UK, a real commitment from policy framers to think small first, not just say it. Fair regulation means regulation that is clear, accessible and not unduly burdensome.

"Fairness means allowing freelancers easier access to the market for their services. The Government needs to ensure regulatory barriers, burdens and costs to tendering are reduced, so freelancers can truly compete with larger businesses," said John Brazier.

John Brazier continued: "Heavy handed and senseless laws weigh business down like a ball and chain. This is even more so with nano-businesses. Every hour spent complying with red tape is an hour not spent productively. We need to free up Britain's talents to create wealth, not stifle them with top down bureaucracy."

Security clearance and discriminatory issues

Elsewhere, PCG is asking that in future all Government departments will have to ensure that 10% of their procurement budgets will go to nano-businesses and that Government departments and their contractors must not discriminate against freelancers who do not have pre-existing security clearance when it chooses which freelancers to award a contract to.

John Brazier concluded: "It is PCG's fundamental belief that flexibility in the labour market is the key to ensuring Britain's future economic success.

"The next Government should encourage freelancing as a flexible, innovative and entrepreneurial way of working that enables business to perform more cost-effectively, especially when recovering from recession.

"The start of a new decade provides an opportunity for fresh, innovative thinking.

"We will be continuing to push this message up to the election and beyond."