A cross-party coalition of 55 MPs have recently signed an open letter urging Chancellor George Osbourne to review the legislative framework governing contractors.
Sponsored by PRISM, an employment intermediary trade body, the letter gained the support of 55 MPs including shadow SNP treasury spokesman Roger Mullin, SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie and treasury select committee member Helen Goodman MP. The parties which have backed the letter include Scottish National Party 40; Labour 7; Liberal Democrats 2; Conservative 2; Ulster Unionist Party 2; Democratic Unionist Party 1 and Plaid Cymru 1.
It is thought by PRISM that if Osbourne was to review the framework, the planned removal of travel & subsistence (T&S) relief for freelancers and contractors would be delayed.
PRISM's chief executive, Crawford Temple, has noted the high level of support from MPs, saying it would seem reasonable for the government to considering delaying the upcoming legislative changes pending the results of a review.
Treasury select committee member Helen Goodman supports Temple's request for a review, saying that it is in everyone's benefit, adding in that the delay can provide the time for a "productive and well-functioning" system to be implemented which collects the right amount of tax, as well as protecting workers' rights and privileges.