Newsnight mix-up blamed on Inland Revenue

Independent contractors swelled the viewing audience for Newsnight last Friday night, eagerly awaiting the promised apology after the misleading IR35 article in Thursday's program. In a marvellous demonstration of 'contractor power' the apology was won after so many outraged contractors contacted the BBC after Thursday's show.

Independent contractors swelled the viewing audience for Newsnight last Friday night, eagerly awaiting the promised apology after the misleading IR35 article in Thursday's program. In a marvellous demonstration of 'contractor power' the apology was won after so many outraged contractors contacted the BBC after Thursday's show.

A Westminster based PR professional, who has nothing to do with IR35 was amazed by what the contractors had achieved: -

A rather sheepish looking economics editor appeared just 24 hours later to answer the question, How did we get it so wrong? This is Newsnight and the BBC NEVER apologise. This is a real victory for the contractors.

However, many contractors feel that the apology failed to hit the mark. Those in Scotland and Wales did not even see the appearance of Evan Davis. Contractors were again disappointed that the second IR35 article failed to give the issue proper coverage, and failed to mention the difference between small PSCs and the large consultancies. Perhaps just as worrying is that the figures cited are still misleading.

Mr Davis claimed to have discussed both articles with officers from the Inland Revenue, and had been told by the Revenue that what he said was fine. Is this another case of the IR misleading the BBC and the general public as well as the contracting community?