Why aren't you in the PCG then?

[malvolio]

Oh really? Note that I consider you to be a representative of the PCG since you are an elected board member.

http://forums.contractoruk.com/showp...20&postcount=2
http://forums.contractoruk.com/showp...47&postcount=8
http://forums.contractoruk.com/showp...73&postcount=4
http://forums.contractoruk.com/showp...74&postcount=2
http://forums.contractoruk.com/showp...7&postcount=11
http://forums.contractoruk.com/showp...90&postcount=6

That's just from a quick search.

At least get your facts straight. I am not an elected board member, I am merely a member of the CC who are there to ensure the members' views are presented to the Board and to make sure the Board do the job they're paid for. My posts here (and my posts on the PCG fora) are made in a strictly personal capacity, I have no authority to speak for the PCG nor do I claim any.

Nowhere on these forums have I said the PCG recommends any particular company, and even in the posts you quote I am at pains to point out that I don't use umbrellas and are merely reflecting perceived wisdom.

So wind your neck in, you've answered my original question so let's leave it there. If you want to continue this particular debate, let's start it in a new thread.

[Churchill]

It is one of those catch 22 situations

BTW, How do you feel about Iraqis?

They get stuck in my teeth!

This Romanian chap, he's not in Canada currently is he?

[DodgyAgent]

They get stuck in my teeth!

This Romanian chap, he's not in Canada currently is he?

No, Hemel Hampstead (close )

[Lockhouse]

They seem to be corrupt. Their lawyers messed up the appeal thing.

They are divisive and seem to operate scams, e.g. when I looked they offered discount insurance but you couldn't look at the details until after you paid.

Generally, they just don't seem to be very nice people (present company excepted).

I'm a PCG member and I don't like you much either my "friend".

If it wasn't for the PCG, contracting as you know it would probably not exist by now. IR35 would have only been the start. Your £200 or whatever it is these days to join is peanuts when all things considered, the PCG is the only organisation that honestly puts freelancers first. Who else does? Your accountant? Your agent? Wake up and smell the coffee.

[Churchill]

So I guess your real answer is a combination of ignorance and prejudice then??

Not at all. I've seen the PCG start from nothing and seen it grow into a cash cow for a certain few. All real events that happened. So not ignorance at all, in fact the exact opposite.

[zathras]

I guess it's the ones who don't run a Ltd Co that can't see any tangible benefit from this. PAYE'ers will be OK as they're paying HMRC 'suggested' taxation anyway, while the Loan/EBT etc group are no doubt unwelcome at the PCG.

The PCG has extended it's offerings. For those who are with an Umbrella then the PCG Quality umbrella which includes PCG membership.

For those who are not incorporated there is <a href="http://www.pcg.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2684&Ite mid=660" target="_blank">PCG Solo</a>.

Becoming a PCG Solo member will give you the practical support and expert advice you need to make informed decisions about your business relating to the treatment of tax, regulations and your legal relationship with clients.
A vital aspect of PCG Solo is that members are automatically protected against the cost of a tax inspection, which could save you thousands of pounds of professional fees if HM Revenue & Customs decided to inspect your business, either by random trigger or as a result of something they decide to challenge.

You are also protected against the cost associated with Jury Service. Both these insurances could cost you considerably more if you had to source them from an accountancy firm or insurance broker.

Not only that, but as part of the PCG community, you have the opportunity to support and influence PCG's important political lobbying and legal work in protecting and promoting the interests of freelance consultants and contractors.

[DodgyAgent]

I'm a PCG member and I don't like you much either my "friend".

If it wasn't for the PCG, contracting as you know it would probably not exist by now. IR35 would have only been the start. Your £200 or whatever it is these days to join is peanuts when all things considered, the PCG is the only organisation that honestly puts freelancers first. Who else does? Your accountant? Your agent? Wake up and smell the coffee.

That's a bit like saying if it wasnt for the DVLA no one would be driving

[Lockhouse]

Not at all. I've seen the PCG start from nothing and seen it grow into a cash cow for a certain few. All real events that happened. So not ignorance at all, in fact the exact opposite.

Those days are long gone.

[Churchill]

Those days are long gone.

Oh, that's all right then!

[Lockhouse]

That's a bit like saying if it wasnt for the DVLA no one would be driving

Not at all. What I'm saying is that if the PCG hadn't organised opposition to IR35 that would have only been the start of removing all contracting in this country. We'd have been subjected to a CIS type scheme quicker than you can say "Done & dusted".