Court of Appeal grants PCG leave to appeal as legal fund opens

In this issue:

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Judicial Review - Appeal

AGM and conference

Members Resolution

Real Life Meetings

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Judicial Review - Appeal granted; Appeal for Funds

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In the PCG newsletter 20/01 (May 17, 2001)

we outlined the PCG's seven-point strategy to give contractors the tools and to create the environment where businesses could operate outside IR35.

One of these planks is the judicial review. At the time, we explained that we had tabled the papers to the Court of Appeal requesting permission to appeal the High Court decision, which although found in favour of the PCG on many of the disputed facts, ruled against PCG in the actual judgement. Permission to continue the legal battle has now been granted, which means that the PCG has the opportunity to continue the judicial campaign to get IR35 struck down as incompatible with European laws.

The fact that the PCG operates on-line means that it can be one of the most democratic organisations in the country and effectively seek its members' views and opinions for the implementation of the strategy. It is now the decision of members if they wish to continue to pursue this legal process. Although the High Court ruled against PCG in April, there was sufficient positive comment for our lawyers to predict an 'evens' chance of success in a future appeal. However, we should be aware that there are no 'quick-fixes' and PCG members should be prepared to see this through to its legal conclusion, which could take a couple of years if there were to be referrals to the European Court or subsequent domestic appeals, but the prize at the end could be the abolition of IR35. This is ground-breaking legal territory and it comes with no guarantees.

The ball is now in the members' court. In order to continue the appeal as one of the points on our strategy we have established a legal appeal fund. The size of the fund will determine whether we are able to continue with the appeal. See here for more information:

Please pledge here if you wish to pursue this course of action:

Annual General Meeting and Conference

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Julie Stewart, a Yorkshire-based member of the CC and co-ordinator of regional activities, is gauging interest in this year's agm.

Julie writes:

We are starting to look at planning the AGM & Conference for the Autumn of this year. So I need a rough idea of numbers who plan to attend, also where people would prefer to go. eg Do you want a nice little break by the seaside, or do you want a city centre location close to travelling facilities so you can get there and back in a day?

I've set 3 email addresses up, which I would ask you to reply to, I have received some response from the forums, but would like a bigger picture. So *Please* could you spare some time to reply, the input will be much appreciated.

Seaside based, email seaside@scarboroughpages.co.uk with AYE in the subject, no text.

City based, email city@scarboroughpages.co.uk with AYE in the subject, no text.

Any questions or other thoughts, email agm@scarboroughpages.co.uk with your question/thought in the subject, if possible, no text.

Thanks in advance for your co-operation,

Julie

Members' resolutions

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There is a members' forum on the site where members can post their own resolutions and seek support. Current 'live' resolutions can be viewed at:

REGIONAL NEWS

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Real Life Meetings

While the 'virtual world' of PCG has been an unparalleled success in terms of organising a campaign, you still can't beat 'the real thing'. Increasingly individual members of the PCG are organising local meetings to get together with other members. The format varies considerably from structured local meetings with agendas, speakers and an objective of co-ordinating local campaigning, to opportunities to make new business contacts and share information about the local contracting market; to nothing more than a pint (or two) and a late curry.

To promote your local meet through the newsletter - email mark@pcgroup.org.uk with REGIONS in the subject matter, details of the event and a name and email contact point/or phone number for further information.

Thames Valley

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The Thames Valley chapter is getting organised, and we've got the next batch of Real Lifers planned.

These will be:

1st Tuesday of each month - Basingstoke (missed 5th June)

2nd Wednesday of each month - Farnborough (next 13th June)

3rd Thursday of each month - Wokingham (next 21st June)

Contact Andrew Banks: adb@adb-enterprises.com

Milton Keynes

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Date: Tuesday 12th June

Venue: The Plough, Stony Stratford

Time: 8pm

For details and how to get to the venue email James:

ukwheatsheaf@hotmail.com

Cambridge (June not July)

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Meet at Golden Hind, Milton Rd

7.30 on Weds 13th June

Email karen@kitservices.org.uk

West Wilts - new group

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Thursday 14th June

Melksham Tandoori - 8.30pm

Contact: daveouk@hotmail.com

Bristol

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Date: Friday 15th June

Venue: The Brewery Tap, Colston Street, Bristol

Time: 8pm

For more information contact nick@swordsman.co.uk

Glouc/Chelt/Ciren

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Meeting: Weds 20 June 2001

(with people from Worcester, Stroud and Swindon)

Usual time - 7:30 pm and place

The Golden Heart at Nettleton (see map in PCG boards)

contact bob_dick99@hotmail.com

Susie Hughes

(Head of Executive Services)

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This newsletter is published by the Professional Contractors Group.

Please feel free to circulate the newsletter to other independent contractors who you know, and who may be interested in joining the PCG.

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To view the Forum links in this newsletter, you must be first logged into the Forum.

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PCG Press