Design responds to ‘white paper’

Design industry representatives have responded to news that freelance designers could enjoy greater security if a “white paper” from the Federation of Small Businesses is adopted by the Government after the next General Election.

The Tutt Consultancy managing director Simon Rhind-Tutt advises that freelance designers should treat themselves as small businesses rather than individual workers, regardless of any future legislation to define their rights.

“Freelances must have a strong business strategy to survive, the same as any small design group,” says Rhind-Tutt. He suggests they manage themselves as any other business, with appropriate planning and invoicing.

The term “freelance” is a convenient title for what can be a complex contractual arrangement between not only the employer and the individual, but also the employer and the recruitment agency, notes The Team creative partner Roger Rundle.

“This contract determines who is responsible for issues such as indemnity and national insurance, and tax liabilities. The title ‘self-employed’ brings with it the confidence that the individual comes with an ‘all liabilities taken care of’ contract,” adds Rundle.