Contracting Matters

So the dust has settled (for now) and our new masters are setting about making the changes they believe are necessary to improve our economy and improve our lot.

In the recently published coalition document there were probably two of three key specific Contractor related matters that come to mind:

1. IR35 was mentioned along the lines of tax simplification;
2. Public cuts;
3. No mention of Agency Workers Regulations (AWR).

For me IR35 and tax simplicity for Contractors is all about “certainty”.  As drafted, IR35 is subjective and, therefore, using the same set of facts two different views can be taken.  If the legislation was clear and could provide a series of specific tests that then produced a balanced answer and that answer met a criteria level then taxpayers, advisers & HMRC would save a lot of time and certainty would be gained for all.

Cuts – I think that in the short term, public spending cuts may have an impact as certain Government department are forced to reduce temporary headcount and then permanent. Once that round is over, guess where they will probably go to then ensure key projects are then delivered?

I don’t agree with some commentators views that AWR will be removed or stopped. This is European wide legislation and therefore cannot be simply put to one side. It may get some guidance updates (welcome) but I can’t see it going!

Let’s hope the new government can address some of the issues that the flexible workforce faces as in my opinion, they are a crucial part of the UK’s recovery process.