Contractors will have the chance to get up close and personal with policymakers and business leaders when the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE) hosts its new policy conference on 26 April 2016.
“This will be a great opportunity for contractors to contribute to potential government policy initiatives and discuss ways of driving recognition of the contingent workforce,” highlights IPSE Head of Press and PR James Gribben.
‘Unleashing Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed in the New Economy’ will draw together politicians, business leaders, contractors and the self-employed to debate ways in which the government can support and enhance the ever-growing contribution that the flexible workforce bring to the UK economy.
“The fact that we’ve been able to put on an event of this sort which has attracted so much interest - both from members and politicians - is proof that self-employment is being recognised as an increasingly important issue,” adds Gribben.
“Evidently policymakers are endeavouring to make sure that policy does match up to the needs of those affected by it. The conference will be the first of its kind and shows the increasing attention that is being granted to the contractor workforce within the wider policy discussion.”
Contractors and politicians to discuss policy ideas
“Ultimately, the conference will allow delegates to address issues that are affecting them,” Gribben continues. “We’re looking to see some really positive policymaking ideas that could be put into practice by the government in order to make it easier for contractors and the self-employed.”
Central to discussion will be the first session of the day, Self-Employment Question Time, that will see politicians debate the government’s role in enhancing the contribution of the contractor workforce.
The Government-commissioned Self-Employment Review will set the tone for the discussion which will focus largely on the report’s policy recommendations. The review, led by Julie Deane OBE, was published on Valentine’s Day and examined issues such as access to maternity pay, mortgages and pensions.
“We’re excited to discuss some really interesting, innovative measures at conference, including self-employed maternity and adoption pay,” notes Gribben. “That being said, there will also be a lot of interaction from the floor and encouraged through social media, and so we expect a wide range of topics to be discussed, such as personal finance issues for contractors and the self-employed.”
Contractors to have say on EU referendum
Another area of interest amongst many contractors concerns questions over Britain’s continued membership of the European Union (EU). The impending EU referendum will form the basis of the day’s second session, where contractors will be invited to voice their views about whether or not the UK should remain a member.
Leaving the EU would result in extra charges and customs procedures for contractors trading overseas, whilst it would also diminish the talent pool for contractors looking to employ similarly skilled workers. However, it has also been argued that a Brexit would significantly reduce restrictions imposed upon contractors by EU red tape.
“This debate will provide people with a platform to make a case regarding the UK’s EU membership that will be relevant to the rest of the audience, contributing to an informed discussion,” highlights Gribben.
Some contractors still on the fence over EU membership
IPSE ran a poll in August 2015 asking its members how they would vote if a referendum were to be held the next day. A clear majority of 61% voted in favour of remaining in the EU whilst 24% said they would leave.
However, a significant portion of 14% were undecided, a figure which Gribben acknowledges has contributed to inclusion of EU membership within the conference agenda.
“Evidently there are still many contractors for whom the decision has not yet been made. It’s also the case that, since we surveyed our membership, the draft EU deal has been released, meaning some people’s opinions may have changed one way or another since then.
“Gathering so many well-informed people with all of these common interests to discuss this issue should prove an effective way of helping those who are currently sat on the fence to decide one way or the other,” Gribben adds.
Contractors take the floor to discuss challenges within the sector
Whilst the morning will be very much centred on engaging policymakers, afternoon sessions will place more focus on the contractors themselves. Four independent professionals will take to the stage to be interviewed by BBC business broadcaster Declan Curry about the challenges they’ve faced making the leap into contracting or self-employment.
Gribben explains: “We’re looking to have a wide array of contractors within various sectors, representing the diversity that you find within self-employment whilst addressing issues that will be of relevance to a broad range of working groups.”
Rounding off proceedings will be IPSE’s own spin on Dragon’s Den, whereby academics and businesspeople will pitch policy ideas towards a selection of experts.
“We’ll be looking for some new and interesting policy ideas, and we’re really interested to find out what our contributors believe can be done to boost contracting, self-employment and entrepreneurial spirit.
“We’ll be asking attendees to get involved and give a thumbs up or down for each of the ideas, so policy makers will get some immediate feedback on whether policy suggestions will be welcomed by the contracting workforce.”
Gribben concludes: “We’re anticipating a really engaging, interactive event that could lay the foundations of policymaking for the flexible workforce.”