Is it worth moving to contracting?

[billybiro]

The government doesn't have the ability or the balls to try to foist IR35 inclusion on private sector companies. Even May's balls aren't that big.

Would you be prepared to wager money on that?

[billybiro]

Pfffft.

However, the private sector won't react in the same way. For example, they won't be keen on using an HMRC tool that has no basis in law. Let's say 30-50% of PS contracts that were previously self-assessed as outside are now inside (that seems to be the rough percentage). That percentage will be much lower with any rollout to the private sector, because the private sector knows how to trade risk. That is, until they designate self-employment in statute law.

No basis in law? HMRC is the law.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HM_Rev...rs_of_officers

[billybiro]

Which may on the other hand create a whole host of opportunities...

Yes, like having a massive near-death heart attack "creates an opportunity" to examine the decor inside the palliative care wing.

[SussexSeagull]

I really, really wouldn't recommend moving into contracting at the moment. You have good experienced people spending months on the bench who previously were walking between contracts and by all accounts the City is in retreat post Brexit.

Long term a balancing out of the sectors will be a good thing but it will be extremely painful until then.

[Andy2]

Relocate to EU, here in the office there's six contractors, five of us Brits.

isn't there 45% tax in most european countries and also there are flights and accommodation expenses
it's better to work in UK unless you get 7-800 euros/day in europe

[jamesbrown]

No basis in law? HMRC is the law.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HM_Rev...rs_of_officers

WTF are you on about? HMRC are no more "the law" than the police. You've been watching too much of The Sweeney. The "law" in this context is 10(2) of the ITEPA and the several decades of case law surrounding employment status. You won't find any references to the ESS in the ITEPA, not even in the recent updates. Why do you think that might be?

[BlasterBates]

isn't there 45% tax in most european countries and also there are flights and accommodation expenses
it's better to work in UK unless you get 7-800 euros/day in europe

Assume about 35%, but every country is different.

[jamesbrown]

Conveniently, the Grauniad has a story on international tax rates today for everyone to sneer at and pick holes in.

[WTFH]

Conveniently, the Grauniad has a story on international tax rates today for everyone to sneer at and pick holes in.

Nice story, I'd also like to see "average salary in that country" and cost of living.

[Bee]

Based in the current status of the Portuguese contract market?

Are you serious! You think that I don't know what's happening in the EU\UK market. You are really a closed mind.