PCG calls for Oracle DBA and C/C++ to come off work permit shortage list
In this issue:
- Professional Contractors Group Calls to Amend Work Permits Skills Shortage List
- Car Mileage Allowances
- PCG Elections
- Qdos Change of Address
- London IR35 Toolkit Seminars – 20 March 2002
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
1. Professional Contractors Group Calls to Amend Work Permits Skills Shortage List
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The Professional Contractors Group are calling for Oracle DBAs and C/C++ to be removed from the current Work Permits skills shortage list.
The IT Skills Sector Panel, a board chaired by Work Permits UK, decides what skills are in short supply, and helps define the Tier 1 shortage occupation list that is used by Work Permits UK to issue work permits ('fast-track visas').
The removal of C/C++ and Oracle DBAs was discussed at the last sector panel meeting when the PCG presented evidence that these skills were currently freely available. We said that many UK IT workers with those skills are currently between contracts or out of work. It was agreed by the meeting that Work Permits would contact absent sector panel members (ATSCO and the CSSA) by email for agreement that these came off the list. Two months later and this hasn't been completed and the skills are still on the list. PCG is currently putting pressure on Work Permits UK to resolve this.
The PCG's position is that the skills shortage list should be a blank piece of paper at every sector panel meeting and that groups should have to present evidence as to why skills should be on the list, rather than the PCG having to present evidence to take skills off.
In preparation for the next skills sector panel meeting the PCG has prepared a skills survey. We will use the evidence collected to support the removal of skills from the shortage list.
The survey can be filled in by clicking here.
This survey is for IT people, a separate survey will be done for engineers. The survey is open to all IT workers, whether contractors or permanent staff. It is targeted at individuals and their skills.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
2. Car Mileage Allowances
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Following the question on car mileage allowances that PCG's Kevin Miller put to John Hinton of the Revenue, it has been announced that contractors caught by IR35 will still be able to claim their mileage costs under IR35. You can get more details on the PCG Notice Board here.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
3. PCG Elections
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Nominations for the PCG Elections for the Consultative Council have now closed. There are 35 candidates for the 30 vacant seats on the Council. Each PCG member may vote for up to 30 candidates, with voting closing at 5:00 pm on 18th April, 2002. You can vote here.
For more background info on the voting process, go here.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
4. Qdos Change of Address
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Qdos Consulting, the suppliers of the TLC35 insurance and one of the contract review service suppliers, are moving offices next Monday, 25th March. The next few days will obviously be very hectic for them, so they would be grateful if any non-urgent queries could wait until after the move next Monday. They will endeavour to deal with urgent queries as usual.
Their new details will be:
Qdos Consulting
Qdos Court
Rossendale Road
Earl Shilton
Leicestershire
LE9 2LY
Telephone Number: 01455 850000
Fax Number: 01455 841000
Their email address remains unchanged at leales@Qdosconsulting.com or sgreenwell@Qdosconsulting.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
5. London IR35 Toolkit Seminars – 20 March 2002
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The IR35 Toolkit Seminar is in London again on Wednesday 20th March, at the New Connaught Rooms. Sessions are being held at 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm. For more details, or to book online, go here.
Don't forget that the seminar roadshow also visits Aberdeen and Edinburgh in May. Click the link above for more details on those venues.
--
PCG Press