Politicians have spotlight on freelancers

The Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group has invited freelancers to share their experiences directly with the 440 MPs and Lords who are members of the political group as part of its consultation and report on freelancing.

The All Party Group, the largest of its kind in Parliament, is currently conducting online research into freelancing on its website. There are three separate strands of online consultation covering the benefits freelancers can bring; the opportunities they have and the threats they face. This will culminate in a hearing at the House of Commons on June 11 when the Group will invite some freelancers to appear in person to give evidence to them.

The combination of the online consultation and the House of Commons hearing will result in a report from the Group.

Kerry Pollard, JP, MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group said: "Freelancers provide a power-house that can drive the flexible economy but insufficient attention has been paid to the problems and opportunities they face.

"This report will lead to a better understanding of the importance of this group and the benefits they can bring to the UK and abroad. I believe that, as a result of this work, we will be in a position to help the rest of Europe benefit from the advantages these businesses bring."

Mr Pollard invited freelancers to take advantage of this opportunity to make their voices heard directly to the MPs and Peers on the Group.

Mr Pollard said: "We hope that freelancers themselves will share their experiences with us as part of this research.

"This is the first time that freelancing has been the subject of such a significant exercise to explain how it can impact on the economy. We look forward to using this direct evidence from freelancers and the resulting findings of the Group to bring this important issue to a wider audience through the work of the All Party Group."

To have your say see the freelancer consultation area on the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group website