11th June, 2001 - 22/01 JR Appeal & AGM

Judicial Review - Appeal granted; Appeal for Funds
In the PCG newsletter 20/01 (May 17, 2001) we outlined the PCG's seven-point strategy to give contractors the tools and to create the environment where businesses could operate outside IR35.

One of these planks is the judicial review. At the time, we explained that we had tabled the papers to the Court of Appeal requesting permission to appeal the High Court decision, which although found in favour of the PCG on many of the disputed facts, ruled against PCG in the actual judgement. Permission to continue the legal battle has now been granted, which means that the PCG has the opportunity to continue the judicial campaign to get IR35 struck down as incompatible with European laws.

The fact that the PCG operates on-line means that it can be one of the most democratic organisations in the country and effectively seek its members' views and opinions for the implementation of the strategy. It is now the decision of members if they wish to continue to pursue this legal process. Although the High Court ruled against PCG in April, there was sufficient positive comment for our lawyers to predict an 'evens' chance of success in a future appeal. However, we should be aware that there are no 'quick-fixes' and PCG members should be prepared to see this through to its legal conclusion, which could take a couple of years if there was to be referrals to the European Court or subsequent domestic appeals, but the prize at the end could be the abolition of IR35. This is ground-breaking legal territory and it comes with no guarantees.

The ball is now in the members' court. In order to continue the appeal as one of the points on our strategy we have established a legal appeal fund. The size of the fund will determine whether we are able to continue with the appeal.

See here for more information:
www.pcgroup.org.uk/members/legal/index.html

Please pledge here if you wish to pursue this course of action:
www.pcgroup.org.uk/scripts/members/pledge/pledge.pl

Annual General Meeting and Conference
Julie Stewart, a Yorkshire-based member of the CC and co-ordinator of regional activities, is gauging interest in this year's agm.

Julie writes:
We are starting to look at planning the AGM & Conference for the Autumn of this year. So I need a rough ideas of numbers who plan to attend, also where people would prefer to go. eg Do you want a nice little break by the seaside, or do you want a city centre location close to travelling facilities so you can get there and back in a day?

I've set 3 email addresses up, which I would ask you to reply to, I have received some response from the forums, but would like a bigger picture. So Please could you spare some time to reply, the input will be much appreciated.

Seaside based, email [email protected] with AYE in the subject, no text.

City based, email [email protected] with AYE in the subject, no text.

Any questions or other thoughts, email [email protected] with your question/thought in the subject, if possible, no text.

Thanks in advance for your co-operation,

Julie

Members' resolutions
There is a members' forum on the site where members can post their own resolutions and seek support. Current 'live' resolutions can be viewed at:

Forum Link (having problems?? have you read this...)

REGIONAL NEWS

Real Life Meetings
While the 'virtual world' of PCG has been an unparalleled success in terms of organising a campaign, you still can't beat 'the real thing'. Increasingly individual members of the PCG are organising local meetings to get together with other members. The format vary considerably from structured local meetings with agendas, speakers and an objective of co-ordinating local campaigning, to opportunities to make new business contacts and share information about the local contracting market; to nothing more than a pint (or two) and a late curry.

For the latest information and to start a local group see

Forum Link (having problems?? have you read this...)

To promote your local meet through the newsletter - email [email protected] with REGIONS in the subject matter, details of the event and a name and email contact point/or phone number for further information.

Thames Valley
The Thames Valley chapter is getting organised, and we've got the next batch of Real Lifers planned. These will be: 1st Tuesday of each month - Basingstoke (missed 5th June) 2nd Wednesday of each month - Farnborough (next 13th June) 3rd Thursday of each month - Wokingham (next 21st June)

Milton Keynes
Date: Tuesday 12th June Venue : The Plough, Stony Stratford Time : 8pm

Cambridge (June not July)
Meet at Golden Hind, Milton Rd 7.30 on Weds 13th June

West Wilts - new group
Thursday 14th June Melksham Tandoori - 8.30pm

Bristol
Date: Friday 15th June Venue : The Brewery Tap, Colston Street, Bristol Time : 8pm

Glouc/Chelt/Ciren
Meeting: Weds 20 June 2001 (with people from Worcester, Stroud and Swindon) Usual time - 7:30 pm and place The Golden Heart at Nettleton (see map in PCG boards)

Susie Hughes
(Head of Executive Services)

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