Fylde business organisation calls for election parties to support self employed

The Federation of Small Businesses, which has its HQ at Squires Gate, said supporting the rights of the self-employed are just as important an election concern for small businesses as Brexit.

In the latest FSB survey, small businesses said they were also keen to see the next Government make long-term investments to help support growth – with 38 per cent viewing investment in infrastructure as a priority and 37 per cent saying the same about investment in skills.

A high proportion, 46 per cent, listed improving support for the self-employed as a key concern – a combination of addressing the inequality of self-employed access to social security and pensions, and helping them access financial products such as mortgages.

When asked to identify the single most important issue for them, 76 per cent identified an issue other than Brexit. However, 61 per cent did include delivering a good Brexit deal as a priority when asked to choose all their priorities.

FSB National Chairman, Mike Cherry, said: “Those seeking to form the next government must show their commitment to supporting the UK’s army of 4.8m self-employed.”

See also: General Election candidates