Reply to: IPSE Membership - Standard vs Plus vs other insurance?

[malvolio]

Ah, I see. No. For the record, I gave up on UK contracting around two years ago. Both disillusioned, and can now earn more cash overseas. There is almost no demand for my skill set here any more. Luckily, this is a UK/European issue, not a world wide issue. I had been a long time PCG member and always had good things to say about them in the office. But since the rebranding to something entirely different (a failure that nobody will openly discuss) it has descended into a snouts in the trough, old boys/girls network. Dissenting voices are ignored or silenced and eventually, like me, have drifted away from PCG/the whole industry. Eventually, the whole deck of cards will tumble of course, but for now, the TPTB are fighting a rear guard action to safe guard their own gains above everything else in the face of a dying industry. Other views are available and just as valid

etc..... Me, I just want others to wake up and see what is really going on.

You keep spouting that bollocks. It's your opinion, no more no less. It has little basis in reality but if it makes you happy...

[Fred Bloggs]

I was mistakenly thinking you were in the IPSE club.

Ah, I see. No. For the record, I gave up on UK contracting around two years ago. Both disillusioned, and can now earn more cash overseas. There is almost no demand for my skill set here any more. Luckily, this is a UK/European issue, not a world wide issue. I had been a long time PCG member and always had good things to say about them in the office. But since the rebranding to something entirely different (a failure that nobody will openly discuss) it has descended into a snouts in the trough, old boys/girls network. Dissenting voices are ignored or silenced and eventually, like me, have drifted away from PCG/the whole industry. Eventually, the whole deck of cards will tumble of course, but for now, the TPTB are fighting a rear guard action to safe guard their own gains above everything else in the face of a dying industry. Other views are available and just as valid etc..... Me, I just want others to wake up and see what is really going on.

[radish2008]

Tried to convince another contractor on my previous gig that it was worth it for all the reasons above, discount cards easily cover the annual fee etc, and he wasn't having it....
Turns out about 7 years ago he handed over £35k to HMRC after he was investigated because his 'local' accountant just told him to pay it, wasn't worth the fight.
He ended up having to contract out in Saudi for 3 years to get the big tax free bucks to cover his costs.
There is and always will be people who simply do not get it......

Whilst your anecdote is very interesting Phil you're missing the point.

I have insurance for IR35 and other tax investigations. I do get it. I just don't choose to be part of IPSE.

[Pat Phelan]

Tried to convince another contractor on my previous gig that it was worth it for all the reasons above, discount cards easily cover the annual fee etc, and he wasn't having it....
Turns out about 7 years ago he handed over £35k to HMRC after he was investigated because his 'local' accountant just told him to pay it, wasn't worth the fight.
He ended up having to contract out in Saudi for 3 years to get the big tax free bucks to cover his costs.
There is and always will be people who simply do not get it......

[radish2008]

OK, apologies if that's the case. Though I am mystified what "my club" is, not that it matters.

I was mistakenly thinking you were in the IPSE club.

[Fred Bloggs]

If you're referring to the first post above we're of the same opinion it seems.

OK, apologies if that's the case. Though I am mystified what "my club" is, not that it matters.

[radish2008]

Spot on. Ask yourself, whose interests come first? Yours or the "business confidential" relationships they indulge in in the name of the members but will not reveal the financial kick backs from such relationships. I'm afraid, since the PCG high point with Arctic Systems, that organisation has become nothing but a self serving gravy train. Snouts in the trough? Oh yes. (Disclosure - ex-long time member and critic).

My club? You're overseas too are you? Look, you have an opinion, that is fine and dandy. Clearly, my opinion built over many years before I gave up on the UK contracting industry is different than yours. I would say that the more mature, more thinking person here is more likely to agree with my assessment. But that's OK, carry on until the legislative powers make what you are doing pointless.

If you're referring to the first post above we're of the same opinion it seems.

[Fred Bloggs]

Total nonsense. The reason I'm not in your club is because I get the same benefits elsewhere I don't believe that IPSE is relevant any more, if it ever was.

My club? You're overseas too are you? Look, you have an opinion, that is fine and dandy. Clearly, my opinion built over many years before I gave up on the UK contracting industry is different than yours. I would say that the more mature, more thinking person here is more likely to agree with my assessment. But that's OK, carry on until the legislative powers make what you are doing pointless.

[radish2008]

Probably because beyond incorporating for the perceived fiscal advantages, they have no interest and are simply temps and disguised employees.

Total nonsense. The reason I'm not in your club is because I get the same benefits elsewhere I don't believe that IPSE is relevant any more, if it ever was.

[Fred Bloggs]

Interesting you say that as I too have had the same impression...!

I do extol the virtues of membership but thereafter, the conversation is closed and I don't follow up.

Curious as to why every contractor is not plugged in.

Probably because beyond incorporating for the perceived fiscal advantages, they have no interest and are simply temps and disguised employees.

[simes]

I get the impression that with every contract I'm on that I'm the only IPSE member in the room.

Interesting you say that as I too have had the same impression...!

I do extol the virtues of membership but thereafter, the conversation is closed and I don't follow up.

Curious as to why every contractor is not plugged in.

[fatJock]

No brainer in my view. Peanuts for the cover you get regardless of the rewards (that I’m unlikely to use). Jury cover, agency bankruptcy and £5K life insurance all are a fringe benefit to my main reason for being a member namely the IR35 cover.

Better to have the insurance than to regret not having it when you need it. Oh .....and IMHO it’s decent value. Each to their own though. Do let us know how you get on if Hector comes knocking 🙄

[northernladuk]

PC has also been on the receiving end of a hand out.... but there is nothing new there really.

[DeadEyedJacks]

Agency went into administration last year.
IPSE Insurance paid out £10K pretty promptly.

Easily save over £250 per annum with discount scheme.

Can't complain as PCG / IPSE member / customer.

[PerfectStorm]

The discounts are bloody useful (Sainsburys, Tesco, Amazon and Expedia are my faves) and it helps to know that you've got your back if, having done all the necessary vetting of your contract, the regime decides to question it. An Expedia holiday a year or so will cover the membership at 10% off, more so if you put all your supermarket and amazon buying through them.

However, like most insurances, you could self-insure for a lot less and 99.9% be OK.

I get the impression that with every contract I'm on that I'm the only IPSE member in the room.