“Realise our worth to the organisations and economy.
”
High Skilled Freelancers
Contractors Messages to Government
Respondents were invited to share their suggestions for how the government could better support independent professionals in the project economy. Here are some of their comments.
“To better support contracting work and independent professionals in Ireland, streamlining tax processes would reduce administrative burdens, making compliance simpler and more efficient. Enhancing access to training and upskilling opportunities could help contractors stay competitive and adapt to evolving industries. Introducing affordable healthcare options and tailored social benefits would provide security to independent workers. Improved government policies and incentives to encourage contracting as a viable career option could also enhance its appeal. These measures would strengthen the contracting ecosystem in Ireland.”
“The government should extend tax relief measures and increase the number of items eligible for tax deductions to reduce the financial burden on independent workers and contractors. Additionally, lowering corporate tax rates, particularly for small companies and start-ups, would foster growth and innovation. These steps would provide critical support to professional independent workers, enabling them to thrive and contribute more effectively to the economy.”
“The government can offer more funding opportunities for independent workers who have innovative ideas and great potential, making funding and grant support more available and at the same time fostering healthy competition and creating spaces for collaborative projects, collaboration between contractors and full-time employees for exchange of ideas and experience. It would be highly beneficial!”
“It would be great if we could maintain our contractor status rather than employee for clients, as a pharmacist to be able to claim travel expenses would be beneficial also. I would love to remain as I am, but I fear I’ll be forced into an employee role sooner rather than later.”
“Simplified Taxation and Administration: Introduce clearer guidelines and resources on tax obligations for contractors. Simplify the process for VAT registration and returns. Provide tax credits or incentives for professional development and upskilling. Enhanced Social Protections: Offer access to affordable healthcare and pension schemes tailored for independent workers. Expand eligibility for social welfare benefits, such as illness benefit, during periods without contracts. Fair Contracting Practices: Promote standardised, fair contracts to prevent exploitative terms. Encourage timely payment practices by client organisations with penalties for delays. Access to Professional Resources: Provide free or subsidised access to co-working spaces, training, and networking opportunities. Facilitate workshops on legal rights, taxation, and marketing for contractors. Recognition and Advocacy: Form government-backed advisory boards for independent workers to voice their needs. Recognise contracting as a key contributor to economic growth in policymaking. Encourage Flexible Work Models: Incentivise businesses to engage contractors for hybrid and remote work arrangements. Support skill-sharing platforms and marketplaces to connect contractors with opportunities. These steps would improve the sustainability and attractiveness of contracting work in Ireland while fostering innovation and growth in the workforce.”
“The Government should offer additional tax efficient ways of extracting wealth from a Limited Company such as €2000 per year bonus and dividend.”
“Reduce tax rate on income for the people who take the risks, allow entrepreneurs to take the artist level tax designation- why not as they too are creatives!”
“There should be more allowances for travel claim expenses. I currently drive to Dublin every 4 weeks from Cork, and spend about €80 on petrol, and have to put myself up in accommodation overnight if I'm needed for more than own day, but I'm not allowed claim it as its considered "commuting" even though it was agreed with my client company I could work fully remote because they could not find anyone with my skillset in Dublin.”
“Revenue need to loosen restrictions around claiming legitimate business expenses, especially travel and hotel costs.”
“I think welfare payments are crucial just to have some small cash income when no work is forthcoming, we’re still paying our PRSI and USC to be out of work or not paid on top of getting no sick pay or holiday pay but still contributing to society is poor.”
“There needs to be an equivalent social welfare support eco system , in order for more people to take the leap into self-employment, in order for the gig economy to thrive and to enhance their contribution to GNP of our economy. When there is fear for our people to take the leap, it may stagnate an under-developed part of our economy.”
“Self-employed contractors need Government support for the provision of Job Seekers Allowance when between Contracts.”
“Parental leave should be applied to contractors as well.”
“More job security for contractors ,more paid leaves and maternity/paternity leaves should be provided.”
“There could be some payment relief for freelancers who are using shared office spaces - to encourage the knowledge economy and sharing of resources...”
“Additional tax credits and more incentives e.g. grants/access to free training to up skill/maintain knowledge levels.”
“It is very difficult to find out about how to set up as a contractor, particularly the various options for being tax compliant… and the government websites are clunky and difficult to navigate.”
“Governmentally it would be great to access up to date, correct regulatory information on contractor tax, from setting up as a sole trader or company and the advantages and disadvantages.”
“The government could assist with the on-going PI insurance crises that is currently monopolising fire safety engineering in Ireland.”
“Simplify the whole process of operating as a limited company.”
“The gig economy is an erosion of workers’ rights and there should be a clear distinction between high value contractors and gig economy workers.”
“Greater effort should be applied to the eradication of 'bogus' contract working arrangements. This would help minimise the numbers that find themselves in that situation. If effective, they would have a greater opportunity to obtain stable, appropriately remunerated positions within the relevant employment and taxation legislation. This would afford certain protections to them, their employers, and other stakeholders.”
“Support and encourage independent workers as they are very scarce and crucial for the Irish Economy. For example, it’s really hard to get a mortgage/loan for a self- employed compared to employed person even though the self-employed makes more. This results to young professionals emigrating abroad. I am also considering this. We all want to stay in our home country...”
“Something like an ombudsman or lobby group, union etc to highlight issues for contractors.”
“Skillnet for contractors or networking opportunities where contractors can come together to upskill together, help each other to find next opportunities or collaborate…”
“Mortgage availability for independent individuals within our sector. Our average salary is greater than the average working professional in Ireland but a lot more complicated to obtain a mortgage because we are not full time within the pharmaceutical and biologics industry. Inflation within our country needs to be reviewed by our government and what can be done to stem this issue and make it realistic for either buy or build their dream home and be able to provide for their families.”
“Increase awareness and acceptance of contracting work and self-employed contracting. Perhaps a 3rd employment type status so that the contractor is still protected as well as the employer...”
“Improved access to social benefits for contractors. Provide more guidance and training on compliance with contractor-specific tax regulations. Provide tax relief for professional development courses and certifications in high-demand areas like cybersecurity, AI, and cloud technologies.”
“Develop frameworks for portable benefits such as retirement plans, health insurance, and paid leave that can be carried across contracts. Offer tax breaks to encourage training, professional development, and investment in tools or technology by independent workers.”
“There should be more support for remote workers and coworking hubs.”
“More Government Incentives. Seems to be less and less encouragement every year by increasing tax and decreasing incentives. Much more could be done to inform newly setup ltd companies to ensure the directors are fully aware of what incentives are available to them.”