A new All Party Parliamentary Group for the freelance and contractor sector has been assembled, according to reports.

The party, which is to be chaired by member of parliament (MP) Brian Binley, was established at the Houses of Parliament last week.

The aim of the group is to attempt to highlight the contribution which contractors make to the economy in addition to acting as a bridge between policy makers and freelancers.

Brian Binley wrote on his blog: "I am delighted to have been elected as Chairman of this group. Freelancers play a vital role within our economy and often their efforts go largely unnoticed."

"I am hopeful that this group can bring together freelancers across all different industries with the common aim of improving the conditions they are faced with."

MPs have been elected to the group with Jim Dowd as treasurer, Stephen Gilbert secretary and Stephan Hammond as vice chairman while administrative support will be offered to the group by the Professional Contractors Group.