News
IR35 uncertainty continues
Confusion over the future of IR35 continued last month after small business minister Mark Prisk was quoted in a newspaper article saying that the controversial legislation would definitely be scrapped - but the government denied that a decision had yet been made.
The new coalition had already announced a review into IR35, and other regulation affecting small businesses, but had stated that it could only be abolished if alternative measures to combat 'false' self employment were put in place.
Mr Prisk's comments drew an enthusiastic response from the Professional Contractors Group, which represents contract and freelance workers, which said there was now 'real momentum' behind abolition, and added Mr Prisk was only saying publicly what they had already been told privately.
However, the recent Budget only made one reference to IR35, stating that a review would take place and further details would be released in due course - a stance repeated by the government after the article appeared in the Daily Telegraph.