PCG opens up IR35 workshops

The Professional Contractors Group (PCG) is to hold a series of one-day seminars to help contractors, their clients and other interested groups prepare for the implementation of IR35 legislation.

The PCG, along with other professional groups, those that depend on IT contractors buying their services, and individual IT professionals, have long protested against IR35. They claim it will lead to as many as one in three skilled IT and engineering contractors leaving the UK.

These groups have called the government hypocritical for pushing through IR35 while simultaneously promoting a knowledge-based economy, and even in some cases accused key government ministers of having unhealthy links with larger services companies they claim will benefit as a result of the legislation.

IR35 is the controversial section of the government's Welfare Reforms and Pensions Bill, which targets one-person service companies. The government says many of them use limited company status to avoid paying full tax and National Insurance. The reforms are due to take effect in April.

More information on the PCG seminars - which cost £25 to attend - is available at http://www.ir35update.co.uk/pcg_seminars.html .

The dates and venues are:
Wed 9 Feb - Eastleigh Posthouse, Southampton
Tues 15 Feb - Stakis Treetops, Aberdeen
Wed 16 Feb - Kelvin Park Lorne Hotel, Glasgow
Thurs 17 Feb - Holiday Inn, Newcastle
Tues 22 Feb - Renaissance Hotel, Manchester
Wed 23 Feb - Moat House Hotel, Birmingham
Thurs 24 Feb - Watershed Media, Bristol
Tues 28 Feb - Regents College, London
Thurs 1 Mar - Regents College, London
Fri 2 Mar - Chilford Halls, Cambridge