CIPR welcomes IR35 delay during coronavirus uncertainty

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has welcomed the government's decision to delay IR35 tax regulations amidst coronavirus uncertainty.

The regulations - announced in last week's budget - extend off-payroll rules for freelance practitioners into the private sector. During yesterday's budget debate in the House of Commons, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay confirmed that whilst the government "remains committed to reintroducing this policy", the reforms would be delayed by a year, coming into effect on 6 April, 2021.

The delay was confirmed as part of a range of measures to protect the economy from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

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This is a very welcome move from the government. We have not hidden our objection to these new regulations as they would represent an unacceptable burden on the PR sector. At a time when freelance practitioners and businesses generally are facing significant uncertainty due to coronavirus, this decision allows for a degree of continuity. Our concerns remain over the principle but we are reassured that those impacted by these new rules now at least have more time to prepare.

Alastair McCapra, CIPR Chief Executive

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CIPR's member guidance - 'Freelance Members and IR35' can be found via this link.
For more information on how CIPR is supporting members during the coronavirus outbreak, including allowing independent practitioners to request a three-month membership payment break, visit this page.

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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).