GE15: Conservatives pledge to review barriers to self employment

by Susie Hughes at 10:09 28/04/15 (Political News)

A letter to a national newspaper from more than 5,000 small firms has backed Conservative leader David Cameron to remain in power in the General Election.

The businesses have signed a letter backing the Tories to 'finish what they started'. The letter to the Daily Telegraph claims it would be 'far too risky' to change now. It says: "This Conservative-led Government has been genuinely committed to making sure Britain is open for business. "They've managed to get the economy moving again by tackling the deficit, helping to keep interest rates low and inflation down. "We've been helped by their steps to lower taxes, reduce red tape, simplify employment law and get the banks lending. "We would like to see David Cameron and George Osborne given the chance to finish what they have started. "A change now would be far too risky and would undo all the good work of the last five years." Small business manifesto The letter coincided with the launch of the Conservative's small business manifesto, which includes plans to help create 600,000 new start-ups a year until 2020; keep taxes low; review support for the self-employed; and improve finance. David Cameron used the opportunity to thank small businesses for their contribution and praise the work they do in driving forward the economic recovery. IPSE - 'encouraging' Self-employed and freelancer group, IPSE, welcomed the commitment to review how the self employed can access maternity pay, pensions and mortgages. Advertisement Simon McVicker, Director of Policy and External Affairs at IPSE, said: “It is encouraging that the Conservative’s small business manifesto outlines measures to support the UK’s growing self-employed army. Access to maternity pay and pensions for the self-employed were major aspects of our recent manifesto and a review into this represents a significant step forward in getting this sector the recognition it deserves. “Issues around maternity pay, pensions and mortgages can deter many people from taking the step to becoming self employed. We will be looking to whoever forms the next Government to tackle these barriers to business.” BCC - established businesses The British Chambers of Commerce called for held for established businesses as well as start-ups. John Longworth, Director General of the BCC said: "A focus on promoting our small businesses is welcome, as is much of the thinking within the Conservatives' small business manifesto. The commitment to improve access to finance, investing in our rail, road and broadband infrastructure and a major review of business rates are all priorities for businesses around the country and it is good to see them being addressed. "Alongside these encouraging ideas, there is wiggle room which we would like to see closed. The proposals for a permanent increase in the Annual Investment Allowance and cuts to red tape set the right mood music, but we need to see the details to understand how they will be translated into action which helps our SMEs. "The one element we would like to see more of, is support for established businesses looking to scale up. It is great to help start-ups, but they are not the only businesses in need of support." Tweet -- If you wish to comment on this article, please log in and use the Reply button below. Registering is free and easy - see 'Join Shout99'. - Susie Hughes © Shout99 2015

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