National Freelancers Day - 23rd November 2009

[The SMG]

Wow, the PCG has declared the 23rd November 2009 as 'National Freelancers Day'! - I just can't wait!

According to their website (I believe they also did a spread in the Independent on Sunday yesterday), they have made the announcement to "acknowledge the contribution made to the UK economy by freelancers, contractors and consultants.". I guess that includes me...

I've already put this date down in my calendar. Anyone fancy getting together for a beer that day? What's the plan of action? Grab a copy of the original IR35 legislation and burn it in front of a very large crowd? I'm up for anything...

G

[CrazyMoose]

Originally Posted by The SMG

Wow, the PCG has declared the 23rd November 2009 as 'National Freelancers Day'! - I just can't wait!

According to their website (I believe they also did a spread in the Independent on Sunday yesterday), they have made the announcement to "acknowledge the contribution made to the UK economy by freelancers, contractors and consultants.". I guess that includes me...

I've already put this date down in my calendar. Anyone fancy getting together for a beer that day? What's the plan of action? Grab a copy of the original IR35 legislation and burn it in front of a very large crowd? I'm up for anything...

G

I think the day has been launched as part of PCG’s tenth anniversary party. They've even setup a separate domain for it - check it out http://www.nationalfreelancersday.org.uk/

In principle I do like the idea, in reality I think it may just be a few hundred PCG members and Directors getting drunk in London and b1tching about IR35, FBT etc. I may make an appearance if the mood is right....

[curleyted]

I saw the ad in the Independent yesterday.... they must have paid a fair whack for it. Did they advertise elsewhere?

[Howzat]

Is the freelancers day going to be a bank Holiday? I might treat it as such and not bother going to work (if I have a contract by then and haven't died from pig flu).

Do you think all the freelancers and contractors should treat the day like St Patrick's day and just spend the day in the pub?

[The SMG]

Originally Posted by Howzat

Is the freelancers day going to be a bank Holiday? I might treat it as such and not bother going to work (if I have a contract by then and haven't died from pig flu).

Do you think all the freelancers and contractors should treat the day like St Patrick's day and just spend the day in the pub?

I like where you're going with the Bank Holiday theme. At my current clientco, they pay double the rate for bank holidays. Maybe I could work from home for a few hours (charge a double full day, naturally) and then meet the PCG et al for drinks later. Now that’s a plan.

G

[Howzat]

how about we combine a bank holiday theme with a US styley Spring Break theme? That way we are all winners.

Although, thinking about it (and I am), everyone has been banging on about getting another bank holiday for years and nothing has been done about it. I think the only way that we can pursue this idealistic dream of a contractors 'spring bank holiday break' is to turn it into a religious bank holiday. I remember reading something just after the last census about 10,000 followers and its a religion (the story was linked to Jedi's in some way).

I suggest we all go away, research religion and what constitutes one, and take it from there.

Game on.

[The SMG]

apparently the PCG are going to be highlighting 5 key themes...

* The right to work freelance
* Freelancing must be respected as a valid career choice and essential ingredient in the success of UK Plc.
* The need for the Government to make it easier for clients to engage freelancers
* Recognition that freelancers are in business on their own account
* Fair and equitable taxation

To be honest, I know I’m probably not you're average contractor, but I do actually think the PCG do a pretty decent job. In fact, I'd go as far to say that they do a pretty damn fine job. I don't know about you lot but I’ll certainly be making an appearance on 23rd November.

G

[bez]

Why should I join the PCG? Anyone here a member?

[The SMG]

Originally Posted by bez

Why should I join the PCG? Anyone here a member?

yep, I’m on board (signed up to the PCG Single membership). They provide a pretty decent service all in. The best part is inclusive Professional Expenses Insurance via AbbeyTax. Any grief from Hector re IR35 etc, my friends at AbbeyTax represent me and clear up the mess...

[uptonaccountants.com]

Anyone decided to go to this bash yet?