By Lyndsey Hall
PCG evolves to become IPSE, the UK’s new association for self-employed professionals
PCG, the membership organisation for freelancers, has today announced it is rebranding in order to represent all independent professionals working in the UK’s growing self-employed sector.
From 1st September 2014, PCG will become IPSE, the Association for Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.
The consistent rise in people choosing to become self-employed over the last ten years means the sector reached a record 4.59million strong in July, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics.
Chris Bryce, Chief Executive of IPSE, said:
“By next year, the number of self-employed people in Britain is predicted to outnumber those working in the public sector. Individuals in business on their own account need representation and with our history fighting for freelancers and contractors, we are the right organisation to step up to this challenge.
“The way we work in the UK has changed almost beyond recognition in the last decade. Every month thousands of people are waking up to the benefits that come with starting a business and IPSE will be there to ensure they are supported and protected every step of the way.
“Self-employment is the zeitgeist. It has grown by an astonishing 39% since 2000 and has outstripped growth in traditional employment by 3 to 1 in the last decade. With nearly 22,000 members we are already the largest association of independent professionals in the EU. As IPSE, we will aim to add the backing of a sector almost five million strong to that number. Standing together as one, we are impossible to ignore.
“It is time Government truly recognised the dramatic shift in the way we work in the UK. While there’s never been a better time to work independently, much can be done to create a level playing field for the people brave enough to go it alone. IPSE’s aim is to make self-employment central to the economic debate in Government and to ensure policies are in place that make it easier to become self-employed and to be self-employed.”
About IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed:
IPSE (formerly PCG) is the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed. A not-for-profit trade association that represents the interests of all independent professionals working in the UK’s growing self-employed sector.
Why Independent Professionals should join IPSE:
Self-employment has grown by an astonishing 39% since 2000 and has outstripped growth in traditional employment by 3 to 1 in the last decade. With nearly 22,000 members IPSE is already the largest association of independent professionals in the EU.
As the only Association supporting independent professionals by lobbying to Government and industry sectors, standing together as one, IPSE will be impossible to ignore.
Some of the Membership Benefits include:
- Up to £1000 compensation if an agency breaks its contract
- Up to £2000 compensation if you are ill/injured for 3 weeks
- Up to £500 per day compensation for tax compliance meetings
- Up to £5000 compensation for jury service
- Lobbying for you in government and industry
- Free tax and legal helplines
- A specialist to defend you in a tax investigation at no cost
- Toolkit with business templates, client contracts and more
- All the news and guidance on changes that affect you
- Help with winning work
- Extensive networking with experienced professionals
- Free use of inspiring flexible workspace
- Debt recovery: special member rate
- Correct handling of HMRC compliance checks, free of charge
- 24-7 access to all the wisdom of Ashridge Business School
We encourage anyone who has taken the leap into self-employment to join IPSE and gain support and join a community of independent professionals. To find out more please go to http://www.ipse.co.uk/member-benefits.
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