At the heart of IPSE’s campaign is its new manifesto, ‘A Contract with the Self-Employed’. In the manifesto, IPSE stresses that the self-employed make an enormous contribution to the UK’s success:
- 4.8 million people are self-employed in the UK – one in seven of everyone in work.
- They contribute £255 billion to UK economy – equivalent to paying for the entire NHS twice over.
The manifesto will introduce a set of demands to ensure this dynamic and hugely productive part of the workforce have the support they need. From providing fair parental benefits to a comprehensive review of the tax system, it lays out a clear path to embracing self-employment and creating a flexible, buoyant economy.
With Brexit on the horizon and uncertain times ahead, only the self-employed can give the economy the flexibility it needs for the future. IPSE is demanding the next government gives them the freedom and support to flourish.
Chris Bryce, IPSE CEO, commented: “The self-employed will not be silenced. It’s not just that they make up 15% of our workforce: they’re also one of the most dynamic and productive sectors of our economy, and their contribution will be vital in the years ahead.
“IPSE has laid out firm recommendations for how the next government can support the self-employed. Knee-jerk tax hikes aren’t the answer – instead, we need a comprehensive review of the UK pension and tax systems to ensure a fair deal for the self-employed.”