The new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freelancers has held its inaugural Annual General Meeting, formally establishing the group, the proposed financial and secretariat support agreed, and the APPG priorities for the future.

The APPG has been created to provide a dedicated parliamentary forum that reflects the realities of modern freelance work and ensures that freelancers are properly represented. The group will begin with a focus on the creative industries, where freelance working models are well established, before widening its scope to other sectors.

At the AGM, Polly Billington MP was elected chair of the APPG. Lord Banner KC, Baroness Caine of Kentish Town and Matt Turmaine MP were elected as officers.

Members agreed a set of initial priorities to guide the group’s work. These include learning from the impact of COVID on freelancers, including consideration of findings from the COVID Inquiry and its interim report, and building better support for freelancers by improving understanding of how freelance work is structured. The group will also focus on financial support for freelancers, access to stability and opportunities for growth. In addition, members agreed to closely monitor employment protections, parental rights, pensions, and the legal definition of freelancers alongside the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill 2025. The need to support and strengthen the role of the proposed Freelance Champion was also highlighted.

Billington said: “Freelancers are a vital part of the UK workforce, yet too often their experiences are overlooked in policy and legislation. This APPG has been set up to change that. By starting with the creative industries, where freelance working is well understood, we can build a strong evidence base and ensure Parliament better reflects the realities of modern work. I’m pleased to be chairing the group as we begin this important work and look ahead to engaging with freelancers and stakeholders across sectors.”

The APPG secretariat is provided by Bectu, ALCS, DACS, Directors UK, and Freelancers Make Theatre Work. The group committed to ensuring that wider sector organisations and stakeholders are kept informed about and invited to contribute to the upcoming work of the APPG.