Contractor and self-employment government ambassador David Morris MP has announced his intention to simplify IR35 as part of his renewed role to represent contractors’ interests in Westminster, and his ongoing relationship with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE).
Speaking after his re-appointment to the post, Morris highlighted: “I look forward to continuing to work with IPSE and other bodies who represent the self-employed to come up with new ideas in the coming months. One of the things I would especially like to tackle is IR35 which has always been unnecessarily complicated.”
David Morris made the comment in response to congratulations offered from Chris Bryce, IPSE’s chief executive: “Having worked closely with David Morris MP, IPSE is delighted that he has been re-appointed as the Government’s self-employment ambassador, and we look forward to continuing our very strong relationship with him.
“With a small business background and having been self-employed himself, David has a keen understanding of the issues that the smallest businesses face on a daily basis such as late payment and getting access to the support and training needed to succeed. We congratulate David and look forward to him continuing to champion this important section of the economy.”
IPSE interprets David Morris’ David’s re-appointment as a strong indication of the new Government’s commitment to helping contractors, who are increasingly recognised as an integral part of the UK economy, to thrive.
ContractorCalculator chief executive Dave Chaplin’s reaction was more circumspect: “It is good to hear that David Morris MP intends to tackle IR35, which is a longstanding thorn in the side of genuine contractors.
“My concern is that this initiative will falter once faced with the reality of IR35’s complexity. While IR35 is inextricably bound with the complicated rules of employment status case law, it can’t be simplified. The only solution is to scrap IR35, but I can’t see that happening anytime soon.”