FREELANCE MUSICIANS, CLASS 1 NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS AND CONTRIBUTORY JOB SEEKERS' ALLOWANCE

Early day motion 1179, tabled 1 December 2005 by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 19 members.

That this House notes that many orchestras are threatened with closure as a result of a requirement by HM Revenue and Customs to make back payments of Class 1 National Insurance contributions; believes that freelance musicians are different to freelance actors in that the nature of the work makes it all but impossible to claim any job seekers' allowance and, therefore there is little benefit to them of paying such insurance payments; and calls for the exemption from compulsory Class 1 NI contributions to be maintained and backdated to 1998 for freelance musicians.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 5, Labour 4, DUP 2, Respect 1.