Politicians launch online study on freelancers

Press notice from the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group

The All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group has chosen freelancing as the subject of its next enquiry and report.

At the moment there are about 500,000 freelancers in the UK operating by selling their knowledge through their own companies or as sole-traders. They cover disciplines such as IT, engineering, management and business consultancy, journalism and financial advice.

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."

The study will also break new ground by inviting freelancers and other interested parties to contribute directly through an online consultation process on the Group's website at www.smallbusinessgroup.org.uk. Freelancers are invited to participate in three weekly consultations covering the benefits they can bring; and the opportunities and threats they face. This will be followed by members of the All Party Group taking verbal evidence in the House of Commons in June.

Mr Pollard continued: "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."