‘Envoy’ for self-employed needed in the European Parliament, body says

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The European Parliament should appoint an envoy for freelance professionals to champion the needs of what is now fastest growing sector of the European labour market.

This is the call from the European Forum for Independent Professionals (EFIP), whose research shows a 45% growth in freelancing across the EU since 2011. Countries such as the Netherlands, France and Poland have achieved growth of up to 93%. In the UK, the number of freelancers in operation has risen by 63% since 2004.

“In order to unlock the potential of independent professionals across Europe, it’s integral that independent professionals have a champion at the heart of the European Parliament,” said EFIP spokesman, Andy Chamberlain.

“Just like the SME Envoy already in place, the independent envoy would be responsible for representing this flourishing sector and would act as an ambassador for our vital and growing way of working.”

The body representing freelancers’ interests in the UK, PCG, backed up the call, adding that today’s local and European elections provide a “host of opportunities for policymakers to get behind the growing number of people choosing self-employment”.

“It is important that independent professionals are visible in office statistics,” said Simon McVicker, PCG’s director of policy and public affairs. “Better regulation that considers the unique needs of the sector would also ensure independent professionals get a fair deal when it comes to getting work and getting paid fairly and on time.”

EFIP patron John Niland, added: “EU institutions must recognise that independent working is a sustainable career and lifestyle choice which, despite the personal risk, is an increasingly popular way of working in the twenty first century.”