90 Lancaster firms will be hit by contractor shake-up

Shocking statistics reveal that 90 Lancaster businesses will feel the hit of new legislation for contractor workers.
John Lyon, managing director of ICS.John Lyon, managing director of ICS.
John Lyon, managing director of ICS.

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 90 public sector organisations impacted by the changes in Lancaster, as all use contingent workers to varying degrees. These statistics include 65 schools/nurseries, 18 GP surgeries, one fire station and one police station, one further education college and one prison – as well as Lancaster City Council and Lancaster University.

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“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 Lancaster, 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.”

On a wider level, about 900 businesses across Lancashire are expected to be affected by the legislation.

John Lyon, managing director of Lancaster accountancy firm ICS, said: “The fact that almost 100 businesses across Lancaster will be affected is something that can’t be ignored.

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“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.”