Government outlines self-employment review

An announcement yesterday by David Cameron to review the obstacles and opportunities for people who work for themselves has been welcomed by IPSE, the contractor body.

The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) said the prime minister’s announcement marked the delivery of a pledge in the Conservatives’ manifesto.  

IPSE also said it reflected the growing importance to the UK of self-employed people, whose contribution to the economy will be measured in the review, which will report in early 2016.

Led by ‘kitchen-table tycoon’ Julie Deane, the review will cover how self-employed people can be better supported, such as women ‘going it alone’ with childcare commitments.

Why people become self-employed; the different work they do and how - such as a freelancer, sole trader or as “those who are employed but also work for themselves” - will be examined too.

And in line with the Tories’ pledge, which was to review pensions, maternity pay and mortgages for self-employed people, their “challenges and issues” will be probed as well.

The government confirmed: “What can be done to provide more security and peace of mind…when juggling self-employment and having a family, buying a home or saving for retirement” will be looked at.

Chris Bryce, chief executive of IPSE, said that these were three of the “biggest obstacles” facing the self-employed – people, he said, who range “from engineers to IT contractors [and] builders to graphic designers.”

Ms Deane, who is the founder and CEO of The Cambridge Satchel Company, agrees. She said: “Self-employment is now a viable option for so many more people.

“I have first-hand experience of the immense opportunities starting your own business can bring, but also understand the challenges that can face those starting out on their own.”

Mr Cameron reflected: “Her review will shine a light on self-employment, a key part of our long term economic plan, looking at what can be done to provide more security and peace of mind for people wanting to work for themselves.”