Anyone Worried?

[DaveB]

I must confess that’s new to me. I had a look and -





Banjaxed at every turn

Yeah, you need to sign up to the mailing list to get notified each time it opens for applications, but it is worth doing if you are happy taking PS gigs.

[The Tartan Cottage]

I know they weren't answering the phones recently but might be worth emailing them to see. My SC got converted into a NATO Secret last week - process started on the Tuesday and finished by Friday so they must have some people working.

Yes, I will contact LA International on Monday as they held my last SC and see what they say.

[The Tartan Cottage]

Fair amount of stuff popping up on the Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework, much of it outside IR35.

Market is slow generally atm due to the COVID crisis, but there is still stuff around. I've been approached for a couple of gigs that were looking for a remote start then flexible working once things calmed down. It really depends on what you do and what sector you work in.

I must confess that’s new to me. I had a look and -

You cannot currently apply to join the Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework. Applications are usually available every 9 to 18 months

Banjaxed at every turn

[David71]

My SC expired December last year (Because last role where it was active finished Dec 2018).

Since they’re unable to process new applications, I was just wondering if they’d amended the rules around this as they did with MOTs and granted an extra year’s idle time before it expired.

Wishful thinking, I guess....

Edit: From my own research, the answer appears to be no.

I know they weren't answering the phones recently but might be worth emailing them to see. My SC got converted into a NATO Secret last week - process started on the Tuesday and finished by Friday so they must have some people working.

[SussexSeagull]

I few of the SC contracts I can't go for were outside IR35 and based in locations I know the HMRC have offices in!

[David71]

G-Cloud is open for applications; worth having a go.

I'd get on all the government frameworks you can and see what comes up as a fit for your skill set.

I've just got a 5 month contract via the NEPRO framework (although they want to lower the rate before 'awarding' it officially ) which has come in handy as the contract I recently signed keeps getting its' start date moved back

[ladymuck]

You seem to have bought the propaganda that this reform does not affect freelancers and that everything will be fine, only permietractors will be inside. Run your contract through CEST tool and answer that the client can reject a substitute, most likely that is enough to turn the contract to "inside". Clients can use this tool to ensure that issued contracts are inside by adding or removing clauses, so that they are not liable for tax and penalties.

That's not totally true.

My last client would not accept a sub and CEST said the gig was outside without any "massaging" of the results to get that outcome.

Substitution is just one factor of an overall contract. There are plenty of roles where a sub is not practical or desirable yet the working practices are not akin to employment.

Please do edcuate yourself rather than spitting out the HMRC kool-aid you've overdosed on.

[elsergiovolador]

And you are basing this deduction on what? Have you seen the contracts involved? Spoken to anyone who is working under one?

Unless you have concrete evidence to back up your claims all you are doing is spreading fear and uncertainty. You could almost be working for HMRC.

You seem to have bought the propaganda that this reform does not affect freelancers and that everything will be fine, only permietractors will be inside. Run your contract through CEST tool and answer that the client can reject a substitute, most likely that is enough to turn the contract to "inside". Clients can use this tool to ensure that issued contracts are inside by adding or removing clauses, so that they are not liable for tax and penalties.

[BR14]

You could almost be working for HMRC.

or be AtW.

[DaveB]

They still need to compete with private sector and probably only thing that makes them outside is the substitute clause. Once "level playing field" will be established and companies will be fearful of potential liabilities, the "inside" contracts will be a new norm. Any contract can be made "inside" and taxman may say that company offered "outside" one to avoid tax.

And you are basing this deduction on what? Have you seen the contracts involved? Spoken to anyone who is working under one?

Unless you have concrete evidence to back up your claims all you are doing is spreading fear and uncertainty. You could almost be working for HMRC.