Self-employed numbers are dropping, with the IPSE suggesting Brexit fears and changes to IR35 tax law are to blame.
Recent ONS figures have shown that overall unemployment has fallen slightly, however, self-employed numbers have also dropped by 94,000.
The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) think these figures should concern government and the industry.
Jordan Marshall, IPSE’s Policy Development Manager, explained further, “The 94,000 drop in the number of self-employed shows that they are facing increasingly choppy waters.
“Freelancers are the Brexit canary in the coalmine – the first to feel the impact as industries hold back on investment and hiring because of the growing uncertainty about our future relationship with the EU.
“Changes to IR35 are also hitting the self-employed – forcing many to leave contracts or even retire. As they have been belatedly pressured to doing on Universal Credit, government would be wise to think again about plans to roll out damaging changes in the private sector.”
Limited or Umbrella? If you are unsure which route would suit you better, please give us a call on 01206 591 000 or email info@contractorumbrella.com to discuss your options.
You may also like to read:
How does an umbrella company work?
Trusted by over 1,200 employees |