FCSA chair Graham Fisher has been invited to attend the Chancellor’s post-Budget briefing on 9th July. The invitation can be seen as a clear acknowledgement by the Government that it recognises the contribution made by the flexible workforce to the growth of the UK economy.
Commenting on the invitation Graham Fisher said: “As the leading Association for those who work to support the UK’s flexible workforce I am delighted that the Government is keen for us to participate in the post-Budget briefing. It is important that FCSA continues its good work in lobbying for freelancers and contractors to be properly considered by policymakers and an invitation like this is a clear endorsement that they welcome our input and views and any steer we can give them. Flexible labour is, quite simply, the future and it appears the Government recognises this fact.”
With a week to go until the Chancellor’s summer Budget, the FCSA hopes that George Osborne will not further penalise the UK’s hardworking freelancers and contractors who make a valuable contribution to UK plc and the overall economy. According to FCSA research, over 20% of the UK’s workforce are individuals engaged on a contingent basis and growing numbers of people are choosing to operate as skilled contractors. The acquisition of highly skilled flexible labour will help drive companies to become ever more competitive, improve productivity and grow; this in turn will enable UK plc to continue to outperform its rivals.
Graham Fisher added: “If Osborne is committed to nurturing entrepreneurship then he should acknowledge the value of freelancers and contractors and make it easier for them to operate. The Enterprise Bill set out by the Business Secretary in May was welcome and I would urge the Chancellor to build on the promises made then. I would like to see a fairer tax system that serves to help and support freelancers and contractors rather than penalise them. I will be sure to reiterate this at the meeting next week on behalf of our members and the freelance community.”
