IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed, has today released a report outlining the steps government must take to ensure those working independently have the infrastructure they need to flourish.
The proposals around improving access to workhubs, broadband and 4G coverage are easy to implement and relatively cost neutral, and will ensure big benefits not only for the self-employed but will deliver growth and connectivity across the UK.
Simon McVicker, Director of Policy and External Affairs at IPSE, said:
“Access to the appropriate infrastructure is essential to the success of any economy and the self-employed economy is no different. Without collaborative working space and effective broadband and mobile coverage the self-employed will not be able to exist and prosper as businesses.
The report is headed by measures to provide better access and support for the UK’s workhubs, including facilitating the rollout of workhubs in rural areas.
“Community workspaces enable the self-employed to build networks, share contacts and work collaboratively. Despite this, operating costs are high and those using workhubs are essentially paying business rates indirectly, while other small businesses are exempt. Extending the 100% business rate relief to workhubs will ensure the self-employed who use workhubs are offered the same incentive to grow their business.
“Empty premises are a blight on local communities and councils can do far more to allow this space to be made better use of as workhubs. Publishing interactive maps on their website of disused buildings in the area would be an excellent start, as would extending permitted development rights.
“Government has already taken important steps to improve infrastructure in rural areas. Continuing the rollout of Rural Growth Networks will help to support the growth of new knowledge based industries where traditional sectors are in decline”.
Top class broadband and mobile infrastructure must be delivered.
“Across large swathes of the UK, broadband and mobile coverage is still incredibly patchy. To cement the UK as one of the world’s leading knowledge based economies, government must commit to 100% broadband access by 2020, with a commitment to a maximum ratio between the fastest and slowest speeds to address the urban/rural divide.
“Independent professionals often need to work on the move and a lack of WiFi on trains results in a genuine loss of productivity. To address this, government should ensure all trains are equipped with free WiFi, in standard as well as first class.
“Flexible working is also being hampered by the slow rollout of 4G coverage. This needs to be accelerated, with government building on Culture Secretary Sajid Javid’s plans to move toward mast sharing to improve 4G connectivity.”
