APPG for Freelancers elects Jo Stevens MP as new Chair

The APPG for Freelancers has elected Jo Stevens MP as its new Chair at an Extraordinary General Meeting held in Parliament on 19 October.

Jo Stevens MP succeeds Polly Billington MP, who recently stepped down as Chair following her appointment to a ministerial role. Members thanked Polly for her work in establishing and supporting the APPG and her commitment to ensuring freelancers' voices are heard in Parliament.

Jo brings a strong background in championing freelance workers. During her time as Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, she campaigned on behalf of creative and PAYE freelancers who were excluded from pandemic financial support schemes and has been a longstanding advocate for improving support and protections for freelance workers.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for members to engage with Lizzie Crump, one of the Government's newly appointed Freelance Champions. Lizzie outlined plans to ensure freelancers' interests are embedded across government policymaking and discussed the development of a work programme focused on key priorities for the freelance workforce.

Members highlighted a range of issues facing freelancers, including intermittent work and social security, pensions, employment status reform, skills and workforce development, data gaps, late payment and insolvency protections, and the impact of artificial intelligence. Discussions also explored how government can better consider the needs of freelancers when developing policy.