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IR35 Changes Postponed Due To Coronavirus

Following the recent coronavirus outbreak, the UK government has postponed IR35 changes until 2021.

The IR35 legislation changes were due to come into play on 6th April 2020. However, given the recent coronavirus pandemic officials have taken the decision to postpone IR35 changes as part of their £350bn emergency rescue package for businesses.

However, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay was key to stress that this is a postponement not a dismissal of the changes: “The government is postponing the reforms to the off-payroll working rules, IR35, from 6 April 2020 to 6 April 2021.”

IR35 Changes Postponed: What Does This Mean For Businesses?

Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic is set to hit businesses and contractors hard. Aside from the worrying health implications, businesses and contractors are set to feel the immense economic strain. Therefore, we see the postponement of IR35 changes as a positive step by the government to protect both businesses and contractors at this already difficult time.

IR35 changes were already set to impact businesses financially and also needed immense preparation and resources, both of which are not possible with COVID-19.


At Optimus Shield, we fully support the right decision made by the government and are pleased that businesses now have more time to better prepare. We will still be offering our bespoke IR35 service for businesses whenever they are able to begin preparations. In the meantime, if any businesses or contractors need any help or advice following the government’s postponement please call our team on 03333 449 571.

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Optimus Shield is the result of heavily invested research and development to tackle the issues now facing the private sector due to changes to the IR35 legislation being rolled out in April 2021.