The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid appears to be the latest politician to make IR35 changes part of their election agenda. IR35 specialist, Qdos, noted that on the BBC Radio 4 programme, Money Box, Mr Javid said: “One thing in particular that I want to look at again are the proposed changes to IR35,” adding: “I want to make sure the proposed changes are right to take forward.” He lated stated: “I think it makes sense to include the proposed IR35 changes in that review” referencing the Conservative’s Manifesto pledge to review how the Government can further help the self-employed.
“With the general election nearly upon us, that the Chancellor has pledged to review IR35 reform will be welcomed by contractors who have understandably lost trust in this Government,” said Qdos CEO, Seb Maley. “While a review of IR35 changes is certainly a sign of progress, reform is still set to be enforced in April 2020. As a result, contractors, recruitment agencies and private sector firms must work off the basis that it will be introduced until told otherwise.”
Maley also highlighted that the Liberal Democrats have already attracted praise by contractors for promising a review. This has come alongside a pledge from Bill Esterson, Labour’s Shadow Small Business Minister who confirmed at an IPSE and small business debate that if elected, the party would halt the roll-out of the changes to IR35 into the private sector next April.
Seb Maley is clear that Javid’s comments may be a case of trying to get on the same argument but adds that whatever the reason for the comment it should be welcomed: “A potential review into IR35 reform shows the Government is listening at long last,” he says, “However, any review must be genuine and not lip service simply to win the votes of independent workers, who could be crucial in the outcome of the general election.”
