London,
15
March
2017
|
12:52
Europe/London

Government U-turn on National Insurance 'makes common sense'

Plans to increase National Insurance levels for the self-employed, announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond in last week's budget, have been dropped.

Jason MacKenzie FCIPR Found.Chart.PR, CIPR President
A rise in National Insurance contributions for the self-employed would have unnecessarily punished millions of self-employed workers, many of whom work in public relations. I'm pleased the Government has reconsidered these proposals. Entrepreneurialism must be protected and encouraged.

Yet, while these developments should be welcomed, there is still a concern that the reduction in tax-free dividend allowances for directors and shareholders from £5k to £2k will unfairly disadvantage the self-employed. The CIPR will continue to champion the interests of independent practitioners throughout the UK.
Jason MacKenzie FCIPR Found.Chart.PR, CIPR President
 
Notes to editors

Notes to editors

About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.

The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).