JAM

Outside IR35 contracts are starting to be allowed.

Assessed based on blanket CEST tool used in Feb 2020, 7 months before my contract started, which bared no resemblances to my contract or agreed working arrangements! When starting this contract I only agreed to do it in line with certain working conditions that were agreed with the hiring manager. This is a stand alone project, that requires a very specific skill set so i was able to dictate my terms which were agreed with the client and found to be Outside IR35 by my very expensive and experienced contract reviewer. However, line managers were not involved in the answers given for the SDS and actual working arrangements were not considered even on appeal. Somebody totally detached from the project and hiring team has dream't up the answers to suit the company and ensured no contractors are outside. My contract does not even extend beyond end March 2021. I will be leaving at the end of this contract despite the project not being complete and there being virtually no one else with this skill set available to finish the work.

Just got contacted. BAE are now allowing outside IR35 contracts. I'm guessing they are getting scared of losing valuable resource to keep their projects going.

My conversation took place in the autumn so the information is a little dated. However at that time the hiring manager had little or no idea what was coming, and had no real direction from his HR/Procurement partners how they planned to approach the situation. It was heavily hinted that they would take advice from HMRC and use CEST. The feeling amongst other contractors was that there was no confidence in the client to manage it effectively and they would therefore be leaving for clients who looked to have a better grasp of the situation, and therefore a more solid plan for the future.

Batch assessments using CEST. Right of appeal but 45 day response time goes right up to late March Lots of office chat but not sure how people will respond

Similar roles are grouped and CEST used by a central department to provide the answers which are just incorrect and do not reflect actual working practices. Have heard talk of a lot of contractors looking to leave before April. Fact based appeal allowed but have no confidence that it will be listened to.