In a bold move to empower the UK's 4.25 million self-employed workers, the Freelance Manifesto for Growth has been launched, calling on political parties to secure the votes of this vital sector of the workforce. As the nation gears up for the General Election, the manifesto highlights the critical role of freelancers, contractors, and locums in driving innovation, growth, and flexibility in the economy.
Dave Chaplin, CEO of ContractorCalculator, the manifesto's creator, states, "Self-employed people have been the backbone of our economy, but poor Government policy-making has let them down and damaged their livelihoods. It is time for a change."
Empower The Flexible Workforce: 5 Key Policies
The manifesto outlines five key policies that the next government must implement to create a more equitable working environment for the self-employed:
- Abolish the disastrous Off-payroll IR35 Reforms introduced in 2017/21, which have proven to be detrimental to UK businesses and the flexible workforce.
- Ban Zero-Rights Employment by closing the "rights loophole" that has resulted in contractors, freelancers, and locums being classified as "employees for tax" without employment rights.
- Establish a Taxpayer Bill of Rights to legally enshrine some of HMRC's litigation rules and create an independent taxpayer advocate for stronger oversight, transparency, and accountability.
- Champion the Self-Employed by protecting their rights to be their own boss – a fundamental human right often undermined by poor government decisions and big business.
- Regulate Umbrella Companies to protect workers forced to use them from unscrupulous operators who engage in tax theft, avoidance, or evasion.
Parties must act now!
The manifesto emphasizes the urgent need for political parties to act now and secure the votes of the 4.25 million self-employed workers across the UK.
By implementing these five critical changes, the next government can demonstrate its commitment to supporting the flexible workforce and fostering economic growth.
Chaplin adds, "A new Government that champions the self-employed rather than punishing them will help restore their rights and deliver much-needed economic growth. The time to act is now."