Why Julie Deane's self-employment review is a wasted opportunity

Julie Deane, OBE.

This Valentine's Day, I received an unexpected gift. Entrepreneur and founder of the Cambridge Satchel Company, Julie Deane published an independent review into self-employment in the UK.

Having now had time to read the 40-something page review, several pertinent points were raised with regards to the 4.6 million self-employed Britons. We are a diverse and motivated group, enabled by technology and form a significant chunk of the UK workforce - some 15 per cent. Self-employment figures and optimism in the sector are at an all-time high, but the treatment of freelancers and contractors is not.

Here's a snapshot of the recommendations made by the review:

1. We need equal rights to permanent employees in terms of maternity pay and adoption allowance, as well as access to more flexible financial products.
2. We need more education, support and advice within the self-employment sector. From informing young people as to how self-employment may feature in their lives to creating a central hub of information for those interested in or working as a self-employed individual.
3. We need greater recognition from the Government. The self-employment sector is not clearly defined, hampered by confusing legislation and administration and the impact of changing policies on the self-employment sector is not yet considered by the Government.

Although it is outside of the scope of the review, the administrative burden of taxation of the self-employed was also highlighted.

Opportunity lost

So, what opportunity has this report missed? I must admit a little poetic licence here, the report has not missed an opportunity. The Government has.

Page four of the review says it all: "choosing to be self-employed should not mean that people are disadvantaged in the support that they receive from Government". I could not agree more.

Instead of Julie Deane spending her time writing recommendations that, in my opinion, should already exist; imagine this.

Imagine she had the opportunity to use her brilliant business mind to speak to fellow entrepreneurs and work out how we could help the Government dig its way out of the diabolical financial situation the nation finds itself in.

Imagine the Government listening to the small guys and girls that work tirelessly to succeed, despite all the obstacles they seem to throw at us.

Julie and the Cambridge Satchel company are one shining example of how entrepreneurs can succeed during adverse times. I applaud her review and its recommendations.

But, if the self-employment sector can thrive in one of the nation's worst financial times, surely the Government should listen to how we have found such success, instead of side-lining us?

What advice would you share with the Government, if you had the chance? Let me know in the comments below.