Scrap IR35, Says John Redwood

John Redwood’s much publicised report on Competitiveness has attracted headlines for its recommendations over inheritance tax, but amidst the details are proposals which would be a real boost for IT contractors. He recommends that IR35 be got rid of completely and contractors be given the freedom to operate.

The idea comes as part of a package of proposals that Redwood’s Competitive Commission have worked, that have now been submitted to the Tory leadership for them to pick which ideas to adopt as policy.

IR35 has always been controversial and scrapping this complicated and unnecessary regulation would surely be a popular move with IT contractors. It might even win the Tories some votes, if most of the contractors weren’t South African anyway…