is PCG worth it

[TheFaQQer]

correct me if i'm wrong then, if you are given a contract that you need checking it is not a service provided by or via PCG. You need to go to a 3rd party who will of course charge for their service.
sorry if this sounds a bit obvious but i can't get a definitive answer on the pcg website

Correct.

But Qdos do three in a year for £40 + VAT as part of their Freelancer Club.

[Bill]

you did, but I wasn't sure if B and C where a 3rd party used by PCG

[cojak]

You will, however, get a discount if you say you're a PCG member...

[Bill]

time to dust of the old wallet then. PCG here I come

[Pacciae]

Correct.

But Qdos do three in a year for £40 + VAT as part of their Freelancer Club.

agreed.

[radish2008]

to be honest I'd say no. I took out legal cover (including IR35 AND VAT investigation cover) for £65 a year. That was the only thing that attracted me. My current client gives IR35 'safe' contracts so no need to check. Couldn't you vet the contract yourself.

Or am I missing somethig ? I probably am aren't I ?

[Gonzo]

to be honest I'd say no. I took out legal cover (including IR35 AND VAT investigation cover) for £65 a year. That was the only thing that attracted me. My current client gives IR35 'safe' contracts so no need to check. Couldn't you vet the contract yourself.

Or am I missing somethig ? I probably am aren't I ?

For me joining was always more because the way that people like us work has been under continued attack from the current government for the past decade and as a result I think an organisation that speaks for us is essential.

I have never seen it only as an insurance organisation and the only discount that I have availed myself of was the reduced charges from a credit check company, but I have still thought it worthwhile being a member.

I left the UK last year and am no longer contracting so the PCG+ level is probably more than I need now, but I think I will keep the standard membership running another year.

[BrilloPad]

I am in the PCG. Despite a few w4nkers like Mal it is generally well worth it.

[Archangel]

to be honest I'd say no. I took out legal cover (including IR35 AND VAT investigation cover) for £65 a year. That was the only thing that attracted me. My current client gives IR35 'safe' contracts so no need to check. Couldn't you vet the contract yourself.

Or am I missing somethig ? I probably am aren't I ?

Do you have cover for Jury service?
Do you have cover for your agent going bust?
How do you know your contracts are IR35 safe?
Who is fighting your corner with HMRC and agents etc (actually PCG do this, but only because 18,000 ish other contractors put their hands in their pockets)

[expat]

Do you have cover for Jury service?
Do you have cover for your agent going bust?
How do you know your contracts are IR35 safe?
Who is fighting your corner with HMRC and agents etc (actually PCG do this, but only because 18,000 ish other contractors put their hands in their pockets)

PCG Jury Service pays up to £300/day for up to 10 days, less the court allowance. I'll just take the risk myself.
I don't work with agents I don't know, and I only use those who pay promptly, so my exposure is limited, and I carry the risk myself.
I don't know that my contracts are IR35 safe, so I normally work within IR35.
Is anybody "fighting my corner"? I don't see it. Well, apart from the right to Opt Out. Great.