Freelance journalists were never in IR35's sights, contractor notes

I met a contractor who thinks IR35 does not apply to him. From what he told me, he clearly did not understand the situation. He then told me that if he finds out that he is caught, then he would "Simply" set up a company in a tax haven somewhere and have a management company sort out what was needed to operate in a tax efficient manner.

Now I don't understand all the consequences regarding IR35 because it takes me most of my time learning what I need to know just to do my job. IR35 affects me. Yes. How? I am not entirely sure. I know that it is bad and if pressed, I could tell you why, with only minor conviction of what I am saying is right.

Freelance journalists however, never have been affected by IR35. It was never pointed in their direction. Imagine the mighty uproar there would have been had it affected them. They would be championing the PCG cause throughout the campaign, trying whatever was needed to show that this would be for the benefit of the country as a whole if this ghastly thing was scrapped, and trying at the same time not to show that it would reduce the money in their back pocket. (That would clearly put the press in a bad light.)

You only need to look no further than the Mirror SlickerGate affair to know that the only interests most journalists have, is where the next cheque is coming from.

I thank the few journalists who stood up for the PCG, but the rest should be rounded up and shot. They are an utter disgrace.

"They don't show understanding of IR35 simply because they don't need to understand it."

Contractors aren't the only ob... Mark-Lawrence 2/04 Contractors aren't the only ob... pmcquail 3/04