IR35 Delayed: The Treasury Delays the Introduction of IR35 Reforms

Ged Mason OBE, Morson Group CEO, reacts to the breaking news that IR35 reforms in the private sector are to be delayed until April 2021.
The Treasury’s decision to delay the introduction of IR35 reforms comes at a poignant time for UK industry and will see many businesses which rely on flexible talent and contractor populations take a sigh of relief.
Along with other industry leaders, we’ve been actively lobbying MPs and Government bodies to ensure the reforms don’t inhibit flexible working, which is a major contributor to the economy. This delay is therefore a sensible move and shows the Government’s backing for UK enterprise by taking the necessary steps to protect businesses and the contingent workforces that they are often so reliant on.
As a strategic talent partner that operates as an extension of our clients’ operations, we’ve been heavily focused over the last 12 months on supporting our customers as they make the necessary preparations ahead of the April 6th 2020 deadline. This very same partnership-led approach will continue as we work together with our clients and candidates over the coming days, weeks and months as they restructure their IR35 plans, whilst remaining on-hand to support and guide other organisations who are unsure of the next steps and the impact that this decision – and the wider effect of COVID-19 – will have on the availability of talent.
However, this is very much a delay and not a cancellation, with the IR35 reforms in the private sector still due to come into force April 2021. This 12-month extension will ensure that organisations now have a major head start on successfully meeting the new 2021 deadline.
This truly is a time for us all to come together to show strength and support for one another. We’ve been a leading authority and provider of talent solutions for more than half a century and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with our clients and candidates to provide consistency, flexibility and an expert-led approach that right now is so vitally needed.
We will provide our clients and contractors with further updates as information becomes available, however if you have any further queries please email IR35@morson.com