The Interim Managers Association have spoken out about the recent government investigations and proposals over ‘off payroll’ staff, saying that it could be very damaging for the interim and freelance workforce.
After it was reported that the BBC were the latest public sector organisation to have their off payroll activities looked into, groups representing the freelancing community, including the FCSA stepped in to defend the workforce as a whole.
The IMA’s response came as they reported that the number of enquiries for interim managers increased by 18% in the first quarter of 2012, along with positive figures for new interim assignments and contract length.
The chairman of the group, Jason Atkinson, described the UK’s interim management sector as both “established and well respected” as well as an industry where “Britain leads the world.” However he said that the proposed changes could “risk undermining the value of genuine interim management as an effective resource model.”
Mr Atkinson described the interim and freelance model as beneficial to businesses in that highly skilled staff can deliver specific results immediately and effectively. He added that many would be extremely reluctant to work on an employed basis, meaning “this vital resource could be lost.”
Following news of this review, the PCG have set up a dedicated email address for workers to confidentially report the impacts of the public sector review on their contracts. The PCG hope that the address set up: publicsectorreview@pcg.org.uk, will help them better understand how the review is affecting public sector freelancers and contractors.
A PCG statement said that any evidence “will help to inform our policy and may provide us with the ammunition we need to demonstrate to Government that the measures should be reconsidered.”
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