Header logo
Log in

IPSE slams “spineless” government over IR35 U-turn

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.

About us simpler
IPSE Press Office
17 Oct 2022
1 minutes
Share

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.”

To keep up to date with all things IR35, please keep an eye on our IR35 latest news page or sign up for our newsletter.

Latest self-employed news and opinions

Why clients pay late and what you can actually do about it 2
Why freelancers don’t get paid and what you can actually do about it
+3 more

IPSE's Fred Hicks runs though the most common reasons freelance invoices get paid late, and what you can do to help yourself get paid promptly.

15 May 2025
Fred H
Fred Hicks
Politicians have forgotten how to court small businesses
Politicians have forgotten how to court small businesses
+2 more

IPSE's Joshua Toovey argues that our political parties have lost their way when it comes to the UK's smallest businesses.

08 May 2025
Josh Toovey Headshot
Josh Toovey
Protecting your income 2
Protecting your most valuable asset: your income
+2 more

As a self-employed professional, your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset. But what would happen if illness or injury stopped you from working –...

30 Apr 2025
Author default profile picture
Chase de Vere
IPSE-LOGO-HEADER

Join our newsletter

Registered in England and Wales, no 03770926. 4th Floor, 95 Gresham Street, City of London, London EC2V 7AB