November 22nd - The death of contracting as we know it

[KUWTC]

Near the end of this article, there is some talk about how extending the IR35 reforms to the private sector could be good for contractors in the long run. Particularly if you're near retirement age, one has to assume.

IR35 reforms: Economic concerns raised over prospect of private sector roll-out

[boxingbantz]

So, what are we thinking - IR35 reforms included in this budget or not?

I am going to go with NO.

[KUWTC]

So, what are we thinking - IR35 reforms included in this budget or not?

I am going to go with NO.

I'm thinking it's a no for now, but I'd say it's inevitable that it will happen.

I agree with some points in that article above that they'd be stupid to rush it through for April 2018 without a full consultation, and - in my experience - the private sector has been completely disengaged while this process has been going on in the public sector, so they will have a lot of catching up to do from a compliance standpoint.

[ChimpMaster]

I say NO for now too.

I do however expect a number of other 'attacks' on the so called gig economy. Reduced dividend allowance and increased NI are 2 options.

[SeanT]

increased NI

Well I guess the only way it can go is up, if you're currently paying none. And I'm going to cry in my cereal about losing the massive £2k a year allowance completely. Should be an interesting one - pretty sure they'll find a way to screw almost everyone anyway.

[webberg]

For what it's worth, my view is that:

1. We will not get a blunt instrument of IR35 being imposed on the private sector.
2. We may get a "consultation" on how to extend the rules to private sector "in due course" perhaps April 19
3. We may see changes to IR35 which tilt the playing field even more to employee status

My fear is that we get a radical change. Imagine if IR 35 was removed (yay) and replaced with a blanket - you're an employee unless you get HMRC clearance.

That would cause utter chaos.

[TheFaQQer]

My fear is that we get a radical change. Imagine if IR 35 was removed (yay) and replaced with a blanket - you're an employee unless you get HMRC clearance.

That would cause utter chaos.

A million (or more) people suddenly requiring HMRC to review their working practices and contracts before / during every piece of work? The headcount requirements alone would be horrendous.

[jamesbrown]

So, what are we thinking - IR35 reforms included in this budget or not?

I am going to go with NO.

I’m going with a yes in the form of a consultation that leads inexorably there, but not a definite implementation date.

[webberg]

A million (or more) people suddenly requiring HMRC to review their working practices and contracts before / during every piece of work? The headcount requirements alone would be horrendous.

I agree but HMRC could say "you're all employees and if and when we get around to saying you really are not, we will refund the PAYE or credit your self employed tax account".

[meanttobeworking]

A million (or more) people suddenly requiring HMRC to review their working practices and contracts before / during every piece of work? The headcount requirements alone would be horrendous.

They’d need to scale up with some freelancers...