"The fact that almost 1,000 businesses across Lancashire will be affected is something that cant be ignored."
John Lyon
The IR35 reforms will have a huge impact on public sector companies and contractors from April this year, and research by the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has revealed the full extent of the new legislation.
Julia Kermode, chief executive of FCSA, said: “There will be in the region of 900 public sector organisations impacted by the changes in Lancashire, as all use contingent workers to varying degrees. These statistics include 700 schools, 9 further education colleges, 4 Universities, 7 NHS Trusts, 150 GP surgeries, the police, fire and rescue services - as well as the Council itself.
“As the trade association for professional employment services, FCSA works to support the sector and the flexible workforce. The new IR35 legislation will bring significant changes to the public sector organisations in Lancashire, and the contractors they engage. The risk is that contractors may choose to no longer work with public sector firms – so it is imperative that these companies are looking towards putting compliant solutions in place from April and are fully prepared for the changes.”
The managing director of Lancaster-based accountancy firm ICS, John Lyon, has commented on the economic impact this will have in Lancashire.
John said: “The fact that almost 1,000 businesses across Lancashire will be affected is something that can’t be ignored. The impact of this new legislation will be huge and it is vital that public sector firms are informed of the changes and are aware of the options available to them to ensure they are compliant with the new rules regarding IR35.
“The way the existing legislation is applied has been reformed due to the belief that there was widespread non-compliance. The changes mean that going forward, determining IR35 status will no longer be the responsibility of the contractor, but the responsibility of the entity which pays the PSC for engagements within the public sector.”
An online tool which will help companies make a decision about IR35 status has recently gone live. However, it is likely that decision makers will proceed with caution to avoid the possibility of making the wrong call and being responsible for paying any shortfall in tax.
John added: “Businesses may see an increase in costs, as rates to contractors may see upward pressure due to these changes. But not only that, it will be difficult to attract the best resources, as returns will potentially be seen as lower in the public sector post-April.
“There also may be a shortage of resources as contractors choose not to work in the public sector, which will potentially have a huge snowball effect on the companies that currently engage contractor workers. There are of course rumours that this will begin with the public sector, before being rolled out to the private sector – therefore affecting even more business in Lancashire.”
Established in 2002, ICS provides accountancy, administration and payroll services to contractors, freelancers and small businesses across the UK. Based in Lancaster, the firm currently employs 40 local people.
