Prime Minister called upon to back British contractors

New Prime Minister, Theresa May has been urged strongly to support Britain’s contractors once she has got to grips with the Brexit process, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) has announced.

The IPSE says that while May’s initial focus will undoubtedly be on managing the departure from the European Union (EU), the UK’s independent workforce should then be next on the list.

Simon McVicker, director of policy, IPSE, said: “[She] must set out a bold plan that helps the self-employed and makes our economy the most flexible in Europe.

“Her government should endeavour to secure global trade agreements and access to the single market while cutting burdensome regulation on small and micro-businesses.”

The IPSE pinpoints small business regulation as most important, given that the previous government had unveiled some plans that threatened to hinder contractors and independent professionals.

“The government delivered on a number of key areas for independent professionals,” added McVicker, pointing to the late payments tsar set up under David Cameron’s leadership.

However, McVicker said it “has also put forward some troubling measures – particularly the proposed changes to how contractors are taxed in the public sector”.

IPSE acknowledged that the new Prime Minister has “many challenges in front of her” but reiterated that Mrs May must “back the flexible economy”.

May is due to meet European leaders for talks in Berlin and Paris this week with Brexit almost certainly set to be on the agenda at some stage with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “This will be an opportunity to discuss the bilateral relationship, co-operation on a range of global challenges, and of course how the UK and Germany can work together as the UK prepares to leave the EU.”

Date published 19 Jul 2016 | Last updated 19 Jul 2016