Contractor sector makes early demands of Cameron

New ministerial posts; a skills-led immigration policy and a conciliation service for unpaid contractors -- three demands the contracting sector is making of David Cameron and his new government.

Submitted within just 24 hours or so of the new Tory administration, the demands are from two contractor trade groups, IPSE and the FCSA, and two staffing bodies, APSCo and the REC.

“A majority government brings stability and certainty that is good for business,” said the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE).

“We hope the [self-employed people’s] Ambassador’s role can grow into a ministerial role… [and] a new business conciliation service would help address some of the issues stemming from late payments.”

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) echoed the concerns of an umbrella company boss – that the government’s promise of an EU referendum could create uncertainty.

More immediately though “we need to convince the new government to adopt a sensible and balanced approach to immigration” said the REC, “so that UK businesses can hire the talent and skills they need to succeed.”

Unifying the staffing bodies, the trade groups and even contractor accountants is the prospect of their members or clients being affected by a withdrawal of tax relief on travel and subsistence (T&S) expenses.

“The T&S legislation would have a negative impact on the working lives of many contractors,” said the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association, cautioning the new government which, “on the whole”, it welcomes.

The FCSA added: “They [the Conservatives] seem to have the better understanding of our sector… but we still have a long way to go as they seem intent on penalising the contracting community [with the T&S legislation].”

To ease its own but similar concerns, APSCo said it would be “pushing” the new government to draw up a “new regulatory framework that differentiates highly paid, highly skilled” contractors from other workers who are also independent but “vulnerable”.  

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies added: “Allied to this, we will pursue the appointment of a junior minister with a specific remit over flexible staffing”.

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