I've been phoning/emailing around former colleagues who are still contracting to see what's going on with their existing contracts. Everyone I contact, and this includes myself is finding themselves "awaiting a decision" from the client for their IR35 status come April.
It really looks like everyone is wanting to see what everyone else does before taking a definitive stand; they want to keep their cream contractors (don't believe what you read in the press, only the dross get the boot) but they don't want a target painted on their heads either. It really is a mess but I've never seen clients so fearful and it comes just as the IT industry in the UK was humming along. I have spoken with two US companies this year who were opening offices here because 1) the pound is so low and 2) the IT industry is highly competent.
Let's see if anyone blinks first.
It really looks like everyone is wanting to see what everyone else does before taking a definitive stand; they want to keep their cream contractors (don't believe what you read in the press, only the dross get the boot) but they don't want a target painted on their heads either. It really is a mess but I've never seen clients so fearful and it comes just as the IT industry in the UK was humming along. I have spoken with two US companies this year who were opening offices here because 1) the pound is so low and 2) the IT industry is highly competent.
Let's see if anyone blinks first.
Comment