You're probably not going to like this - we certainly don't

[missinggreenfields]

As per BG's mission statement:
"Our focus is on mobilising a collaborative voice to develop a strategy for resolution of the existing enquiry in a fair and appropriate way ensuring the future sustainability of the contractor profession."

As such, the scope of BG's action goes well beyond "dealing with the fallout of HMRC schemes" and has much to do with demonstrating to HMRC why it's not in their best (mid-term and long-term) interest to remove thousands of skilled contractors from the workforce by way of APN-triggered bankruptcy.

And yet to become a member you have a mandatory field "Schemes to be included in membership & appropriate dates" and must "Upload of document proving membership of scheme registered (e.g APN, Contract agreement, Notice from provider)"

If your intention is to present yourselves as broader than those who are facing an enquiry from HMRC about use of a "scheme" then you might want to consider changing that.

[BrilloPad]

And yet to become a member you have a mandatory field "Schemes to be included in membership & appropriate dates" and must "Upload of document proving membership of scheme registered (e.g APN, Contract agreement, Notice from provider)"

If your intention is to present yourselves as broader than those who are facing an enquiry from HMRC about use of a "scheme" then you might want to consider changing that.

And let HMRC see their forums?

[malvolio]

First, just like only a tiny tiny proportion of contractors at large frequent the CUK forums, we'd hazard that only a minority of IPSE members use / are aware of the forums at all.
Second, we understand that Big Group have approached IPSE, and that IPSE is adopting a "elephant in the room" approach to the whole matter.
And yes, this is a cause of disappointment.

My understanding is that IPSE are leaving the Big Group team, who are the real experts in this area, to fight their corner without opening a pointless second front, and are simply keeping a watching brief.

And FWIW it was me wot pointed Mr Webber and IPSE at each other in the first place...

[jamesbrown]

FWIW, I'm grateful that IPSE is posting here. Inevitably, there are disagreements in various areas - these are complex matters - but we are fundamentally on the same side and have many of the same objectives. This public sector consultation is, I fear, more profound than the original introduction of IR35 (and indirectly changes the criteria, regardless of what the consultation suggests). I won't be impacted initially, but I think we all know where this is heading.

Fortunately, there is overwhelming evidence that this will negatively impact contracting businesses and their clients, so there is scope for lobbying and evidence-based arguments. This will be an important test of IPSE and all of us in responding to the consultation and making those arguments. If those arguments are put convincingly and they're ignored, it will be obvious again that this is more politics than evidence-based policy making.

[eek]

FWIW, I'm grateful that IPSE is posting here. Inevitably, there are disagreements in various areas - these are complex matters - but we are fundamentally on the same side and have many of the same objectives. This public sector consultation is, I fear, more profound than the original introduction of IR35 (and indirectly changes the criteria, regardless of what the consultation suggests). I won't be impacted initially, but I think we all know where this is heading.

Fortunately, there is overwhelming evidence that this will negatively impact contracting businesses and their clients, so there is scope for lobbying and evidence-based arguments. This will be an important test of IPSE and all of us in responding to the consultation and making those arguments. If those arguments are put convincingly and they're ignored, it will be obvious again that this is more politics than evidence-based policy making.

+1 it won't effect me either as we know whats about to happen and can distance ourselves from it. Hopefully I can distance myself enough that I won't be contracting full stop....

My worry however is that the unions are seeing this as something they actively want to protect their members both in the public sector and the private sector. Unless means are suggested that ensure their members are caught by these new rules whilst we remain outside I'm certain the far louder Union voices will prevail....

[nobody123]

Would the intended policy affect you, If you were contracting for a supplier e.g IBM that happens to be engaged with a PS client/project for which you are working on? Or does this only affect contractors that work direct for PS via an Agency?

[jamesbrown]

+1 it won't effect me either as we know whats about to happen and can distance ourselves from it. Hopefully I can distance myself enough that I won't be contracting full stop....

My worry however is that the unions are seeing this as something they actively want to protect their members both in the public sector and the private sector. Unless means are suggested that ensure their members are caught by these new rules whilst we remain outside I'm certain the far louder Union voices will prevail....

Agreed.

Just listening to the PAC on the rollout of UC, over some lunch () and the Director General was asked what keeps him awake at night. IT resourcing . What's UC supposed to save? Something like 20B+ and a 5B opportunity cost for each year of delay (IIRC). Good luck with that.

[eek]

Agreed.

Just listening to the PAC on the rollout of UC, over some lunch () and the Director General was asked what keeps him awake at night. IT resourcing . What's UC supposed to save? Something like 20B+ and a 5B opportunity cost for each year of delay (IIRC). Good luck with that.

DWP have brought things in house with staff / contractors rather than leaving it to consultancies to try and improve project delivery

[MrMarkyMark]

FTFY

DWP have brought things in house with staff / contractors rather than leaving it to consultancies to try and make sure that something tangible actually gets delivered, rather than just reams of, out of date, documentation

[eek]

FTFY

I actually delivered. But it did require me to wait for the conference call where the 4 layers of management above me weren't on it to pull a fast one and organize a visit to their offices the following day before anyone could stop it....