Autumn Statement targets the self-employed for cash grab
- 23 Nov 2016
IPSE has today (Wednesday 23 November) responded to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, which confirmed changes to the way contractors are taxed in the public sector.
IPSE is seriously concerned at the developments for the UK’s freelance community in the Chancellor’s speech. The changes to rules on the intermediaries legislation, commonly referred to as IR35, are going to inflict irreparable damage to the public sector at a time it needs its contractors the most.
Chris Bryce, IPSE Chief Executive, commented: “The Government must now justify this decision. It has chosen to ignore the advice of the business and freelance community. We want to know why. It would be totally justified for contractors to walk away from the public sector.
IPSE is also worried that the Chancellor announced a consultation on how to increase the tax take from the self-employed.
Bryce continued: “There was no recognition for the immense contribution the self-employed make to the economy. Having trumpeted the lowest unemployment rate for 11 years, ironically the Chancellor has launched an attack on the group largely responsible for this record.
“IPSE will continue to fight for the contracting community which has been badly let down by a self-described pro-business Government.”
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