The Association for Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) have launched a petition asking for the government is not doing enough to help the 4.6 million people who are self-employed in the UK.
Their petition is calling on the UK’s legislators to create a business environment that helps and supports the self-employed community and have listed a number of requests that they feel will create a beneficial climate for the people they represent.
One of their requests is the creation Minister for Self Employment who will champion the sector at the heart of Government and raise key issues affecting the millions of people running their own affairs.
They are also calling for further improvements to the UK’s infrastructure including better transport routes, less congested roads and better internet access.
Chris Bryce, Chief Executive of IPSE said: “Connectivity is key for anyone who works independently. World-class broadband and affordable travel are crucial for anyone looking to start a business from scratch.”
IPSE also say that there needs to be stricter regulation on late payments, which continue to affect smaller businesses and self-employed people.
“It simply isn’t right that the smallest businesses have to wait months for payment from their clients,” said IPSE’s chief. “Our petition calls for a level playing field where payment is promptly made no matter the size or influence of your business.”
The document recognises the increasing number of women who are self-employed and the effects self-employment has on families and asks for the government to extend the same rights over parental leave and tax arrangements, as those who are employed by companies.
Mr Bryce added: “With backing from independent professionals nationwide, this petition can help convince our Government that if we really want to secure the UK’s future as the world’s most advanced innovation-driven economy, we need to create a microbusiness utopia right here in Britain.”
He is calling on everyone from “from architects and artisan bakers to writers and app developers” to sign the petition asking for change.