APSCo backs call for strategic review which could end raw deal for contractors

A KEY employment association has become the latest to declare support for a wide ranging strategic review that could end the raw deal for contractors.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) said it was backing the plan after the sector had been bombarded with an “onslaught of new legislation” over the last few years.

The bid to secure a review of the legislation affecting contractors led by trade body PRISM has so far attracted support from 55 members of Parliament and the House of Lords, as well as Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury Rob Marris.

A review of this kind could mean equal recognition for Britain’s contractors for the first time.

APSCo’s Samantha Hurley said: “APSCo fully supports this call for a Strategic Review as the sector has been subjected to an onslaught of new legislation over the past few years.  

“We would also call on the Government to suspend the introduction of the proposed T&S legislation until the review been completed.  

“We believe that this more considered approach should deliver a framework that will allow the sector to grow and develop in line with government expectations.”

Mr Marris has written to the Chancellor urging him to launch the initiative.

Legislation affecting contractors currently only recognises the ‘employed’ and the ‘self-employed’ but a review could result in an official third category of worker and the suspension of proposed changes to travel and subsistence relief.

Confirmation of changes to T&S could come in the Budget this week.

Crawford Temple, chief executive of PRISM, said: “APSCo’s support is most welcome and Samantha Hurley is right to draw attention to the relentless changes the sector has been subjected to.

“It has created a situation where it is becoming increasingly difficult for providers and PRISM’s members in the employment intermediary sector to plan for the future with any certainty which harms one of Britain’s most attractive qualities to foreign and domestic investment, the flexible workforce.”