The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which represents the UKís freelancers, has said it wants to see a period of calm reflection, after yesterdayís vote by the European Parliament to pass the Agency Workers Directive unamended.
ìIt wonít be clear exactly what the Directive means for the UKís freelancers until it is implemented in the UK next year,î commented PCGís managing director John Brazier. ìBut what we now know is that the text of the Directive has been approved by both the Parliament and the Council, and should not now change.î
The key issue for freelancers is whether the ìworkersî covered by the Directive will include the UKís 1.4 million freelance workers. PCG is working to ensure that it does not, and that a narrower definition is used, encompassing only the vulnerable workers the measure is intended to protect.
PCG has already given evidence to the RECís Agency Workers Commission, and maintains a dialogue with both government and other business organisations on the issue.
ìThe government can satisfy the terms of this Directive without including freelance workers within scope,î concluded Mr Brazier. ìWe will be working with them to ensure the end result is workable.î
Freelancers urge calm after Agency Workers deal
The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which represents the UKís freelancers, has said it wants to see a period of calm reflection, after yesterdayís vote by the European Parliament to pass the Agency Workers Directive unamended
