IR35 is not just an IT problem, oil industry contractors face it too

"The exodus of IT people from both Britain and from the IT industry itself has not yet started ... "

This whole issue does not orbit solely around IT contractors. It is getting increasingly irritating to hear about the IT Industry being destroyed by IR35. If the truth be known, much of our current heartache is indeed due to contractors taking the piss regarding paying a fair share of tax. Are you then going to agree that it is IT contractors who are wholly responsible for the inception of IR35? I think not.

Have you ever taken a moment to consider the contracting industry as a whole? Have you considered the other industries around the country and the world which rely heavily on the skills of contractors other than IT? Again, I think not.

e.g. From Aberdeen to London, there are thousands of skilled engineering contractors who are currently operating for Oil companies. These contractors, like IT contractors are preparing to leave Britain in droves if IR35 remains on the statute books. The loss of so many skilled individuals will create havoc within the Oil Industry. There is already a serious shortage of qualified personnel for the Oil industry. Of course this will ultimately lead to the major Oil companies lobbying parliament for an end to IR35. However, by the time the Oil Industry wakes up and addresses a problem which it has ignored as "Doesn't affect us" legislation, the skills base is already gone.

"This judge seems sensible. Let us hope that he forces the government and IR back to the drawing board."

And what do you think the Judge will recommend in the meantime? Keep IR35 until you come up with something sensible? I doubt that.

I stick with my original statement. The Judge will either keep IR35 or throw it out. After all, what would YOU suggest we do while the government and IR return to the drawing board?