PCG urges more 'freelancer-friendly' society

As new official figures show that there are now more than 4.5 million self-employed workers in the UK, the independent professionals' membership organisation, the PCG, has called for ministers to make the changes necessary to level the "playing field" for freelancers.

Greater support for such a growing demographic was required from every part of society, stated the PCG, including not only the Government and HMRC but also banks and business support services.

Many of those using Reading accounting firms like Sherwin Currid will doubtless agree with PCG policy director Simon McVicker's insistence that both government and service providers better accommodate the increasing number of people 'going it alone'.

MrVicker commented: "Every time the ONS releases new figures on the labour market, we see that the number of people in business on their own account has gone up significantly. I'd like to know how large that figure has to get before Britain's self-employed people are given the backing they deserve."

First among the PCG's wishes was "urgent" tax system reform that would enable more of freelancers' time to be spent driving forward the UK's economic growth, rather than fighting red tape.

The freelancers' group also called upon the government to better assist the self-employed in addressing late payments. McVicker described this as "a huge issue" for small businesses unable to depend on large capital reserves to get by when clients do not pay on time. He said that "The Prompt Payment Code needs to include tough sanctions for offenders and sign up should be compulsory for big businesses."

He also suggested that organisations like banks could play a crucial role as increasing numbers of people go into self-employment, by providing suitable mortgages and access to credit for those not in permanent employment.

Turning to the subject of UK self-employment in general, McVicker commented: "We are now in the midst of a revolution in how we approach the concept of work in this country. If we want to keep up, we need to make structural changes to the institutions supporting our businesses.

"From HMRC and Government through to our banks and business support services, we all need to adapt or we risk clipping the wings of the UK's smallest businesses."

We are sure that such words will find agreement among many present freelance clients of Reading accounting firms - including some of those now benefitting from Sherwin Currid's comprehensive tax and accounting knowhow.

Editor’s Note: Sherwin Currid (http://readingaccountant.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.