A new all-party parliamentary group has been set up for the freelance sector in order to create closer ties between Westminster and the UK’s 1.4m freelancers.
The group will seek to highlight the contribution that freelancers and contractors make to the UK economy and promote the flexi-working way of life. The PCG, the freelancing industry trade body, certainly seems happy about it; but what powers does an all-party group have?
None, as it turns out. They exist as an informal, cross-party, interest group that has no official status or parliamentary powers. However, they do offer an opportunity to inform and educate politicians about specific issues, and create more of a debate about the barriers and opportunities facing the freelance workforce today.
The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) will be chaired by Conservative MP Brian Binley, with PCG providing ‘administative support.’
“I am delighted to have been elected as Chairman of this group,” beamed Brian Binley MP. “Freelancers play a vital role within our economy and often their efforts go largely unnoticed. I am hopeful that this group can bring together freelancers across all different industries with the common aim of improving the conditions they are faced with.”
PCG are confident that the new body will enable them to not only highlight the importance of freelancers to the UK economy, but also tackle the biggest issues of concern for freelancers.
What impact this group will have on policy-makers is debatable, but if it further amplifies the voice of freelancers and contractors in the UK, that can only be a good thing, right?
Photo by EFF
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