IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) has today responded to the government’s decision to U-turn on the decision to repeal the IR35 reforms.

Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at IPSE said:

“Today’s announcement will be a huge blow to thousands of self-employed contractors and the businesses they work with. The reforms to IR35 have created a nightmare for businesses seeking to engage talent on a flexible basis, while simultaneously forcing individuals out of business altogether.

“We know that the government is well aware of the problems caused by this damaging legislation – the previous Chancellor said so at the mini-budget and the Prime Minister made it clear during her leadership campaign. Despite this, it has today taken the spineless decision to row back on its promise to repeal the reforms.

Businesses that were looking forward to an era of less complexity and less cost will have had those hopes dashed today. Our fear is this decision will lead to yet more work being off-shored to other territories and more people being forced to work through unregulated umbrella companies. The supposedly pro-business Conservative government has sent out a clear message today – it does not support people who work for themselves.”

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