The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has warned ministers that a lack of clarity around the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) risks undermining the UK’s freelance workforce, potentially harming the UK’s recovery from the recession.

The call follows the Association’s decision to seek formal legal advice on behalf of its members regarding the impact of the planned AWR.

FCSA members provide administrative support in the form ot employment solutions, payroll and accountancy services to over 50,000 professional freelancers in the UK.

FCSA has written to small business minister Mark Prisk to clarify issues surrounding self-employed status and urging the minister to re-consider that way his department views the problem of vulnerable workers to avoid undermining the smooth operation of the freelance workforce in future.