FCSA launches associate programme

Nick Elvin

The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has launched an associate programme aimed at helping unite the contractor management sector.

In launching the new initiative, Julia Kermode, CEO of the FCSA said: “We have never seen such a sustained attack on the flexible workforce as we have witnessed in the last year. It has become clear that as a fragmented industry we have been unable to make our voice heard.

“Whether it’s by politicians, trade unions, or the media, the whole industry has been tarnished by the actions of a few unscrupulous providers, cost cutting in the supply chain, ill-informed commentators and a lack of enforcement activity of existing legislation.

“The time has come for us to unite and fight back; we need to present a single, powerful voice, gather the facts and present our case for protecting and celebrating the role of the flexible workforce in delivering real competitive advantage to the UK economy.”

The initiative gives non-member service providers the opportunity to become allied to the trade body, and they will receive regular intelligence, advice and technical analysis from sector experts. The FCSA hopes that widening its reach and uniting the contractor management sector will help it shape government policy and represent the sector more effectively.

Kermode added: “A Conservative-led government does not mean stability – far from it. All the indications are suggesting further challenges ahead from across the political parties. By signing up to the new FCSA Charter, associates will be able to add their voices to help us influence positive change.”