The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) is calling for appointment of a Freelance Commissioner and a Future Workforce Commissioner to champion a sector it warns is “in crisis”.

A letter to the chancellor – written jointly with the Creative Industries Federation, Prospect and the Federation of Small Businesses – argues that freelancers have made UK industries “highly innovative, fast-growing and world-leading”. However, it warns that because of gaps in support during the pandemic, “we’re at real risk of losing those people and skills forever”.

The letter urges the chancellor to create a Freelance Commission to “build more resilience into this workforce and ensure no worker falls through the gaps”. 

It suggests the Future Workforce Commission could operate like existing industry councils: co-chaired by government ministers and convening freelance representatives across all UK nations, regions and industries.

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