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Research finds SMEs expected to work for free

Nearly two thirds (63%) of UK micro-business owners have been forced to work for free at some stage in their career just to get a foot in the door, according to new research released today by micro-business organisation Chorus. A further fifth of entrepreneurs are approached to work for free every month and over half (53%) are asked annually.

These revealing figures are part of new OnePoll research* released today by Chorus – a free-to-join membership community that champions the voice of the country’s 5.2 million micro-businesses. Funded and led by Crunch Accounting to support, advise and campaign for micro-businesses, and with a membership base of over 23,000, Chorus represents a new approach to supporting micro-businesses in the new economy.

When questioned further, an additional quarter (27%) of those surveyed also felt that working for free was a necessary step when starting a business. Others were less charitable with their services, with a quarter (25%) saying they would never work for free, while one in five (20%) said they had worked on free projects but thought it was unfair.

Micro-business owners pointed to large corporations and charities as the bodies most likely to ask them to work for free.

Jason Kitcat, micro-business ambassador for Chorus, said: “Micro-businesses are a key driver of the UK economy, keeping the wheels of innovation and entrepreneurism turning – yet this research shows their skills are being undervalued and exploited.

“Micro-businesses employ 8.4 million people and account for 96% of all British businesses, yet too often they are being taken advantage of, on the promise of future publicity and business. Working for free shouldn’t be necessary, the time and effort of micro-businesses should be valued like any other. At Chorus we understand the importance of micro-business’ national economic contribution and we are campaigning for better protection of their rights,” added Kitcat.

Anyone wanting to join the Chorus community of micro-businesses and be part of a larger organisation reaching and influencing policy makers can do so for free by registering at www.crunch.co.uk/chorus

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Crunch Accounting .