| PCG newsletter 25/02: Sept 5, 2002:
Defence Vetting - Catch 22
In this issue:
- Defence Vetting - Catch 22
- Contracting Matters
- Route35 is a runaway success
- Even champions get lonely
- Real Life Meetings
1. Defence Vetting - Catch 22
Many IT freelancers are finding themselves in a 'Catch
22' when applying for MOD contracts; unable to get clearance
until they have a contract, and unable to get a contract
until they have clearance.
The problem arises from the fact that the Defence Vetting
Agency, which processes security clearances, is not able
to undertake clearances for a person who does not have
a sponsor. Your sponsor is usually the company that has
accepted you for a permanent or contract position requiring
clearance.
However very many contract positions are advertised by
agencies as "current security clearance required".
This means that a pool of contractors with current clearance
can move from MOD project to MOD project, while those
without clearance can find it almost impossible to break
into this market.
PCG has briefed Computer Weekly on the situation, so
look out for forthcoming articles, we're on the case.
2. Contracting Matters
You've got your own copies and of course you've read
them from cover to cover. Now it’s time to seriously
start spreading them around. The target is to ensure that
every contractor has the chance to read a copy, whether
they are current CC members or simply future prospects.
We need your ideas and help for this. Is your agent,
accountant, solicitor, etc. prepared to distribute to
their clients? Can you leave a hundred at your local Chamber
of Commerce? As an incentive we're offering free tickets
to PCG's annual conference for the most productive ideas.
Categories will be and there may be a few discretionary
prizes for other outstanding efforts:
* Most copies hand delivered by an individual
* Best lead
Email [email protected] with your ideas. No timewasters
please, we will be checking your local tip and the referee's
decision is final.
3. Route35 is a runaway success
PCG's Route35 scheme is a runaway favourite. Over 600
discerning PCG members have taken it up within weeks of
its launch. If you want to know just why they've found
it so attractive then just follow this link:
https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/route35.html
4. Even champions get lonely
You've read about them in Contracting Matters - three
PCG members determined to obtain justice in their fight
to be regarded as real businesses and to be taxed fairly
as such. PCG is backing them, but even so the process
takes years and the effect is grinding.
Mark Sheerin is out of contract, out of funds and has
just become a father, so you can understand how he's feeling
as his own case seems to creep inevitably towards a Commissioners'
hearing. He's posted a poignant update in our forum and
dozens of members have rushed to offer advice, support
and consolation.
Despite all claims to the contrary contractors are human
too. If you want to remind yourself what the PCG is about
then take a look.
https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/threads/showpost.pl?f=newlegal-1219&p=0&v=c&s=5
5. Real Life Meetings
PCG members hold local meetings to socialise, to network
and to discuss PCG issues. These meetings are open to
everybody, and new members are welcome to come along.
Milton Keynes
*****
The next Milton Keynes meeting will take place on Tuesday
10 September on 8.00 pm at The Plough, Stony Stratford.
West Midlands
*****
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 11 September at
the Rose and Crown at Junction 3 of the M42 at 7:30pm,
with a formal hour will start at 8pm. The Agenda for this
meeting will include:
Report on FTV Success, Route35, update on Case Law, PCG
Business, and a non-PCG item - strategies for collaborative
working.
Cambridge
*****
Date : Wednesday 18 September
Time : 7.30pm
Place : Golden Hind, Milton Road
Contact : [email protected]
Yorkshire
*****
There are plans to hold two meetings in the Yorkshire
region in September, Suggested dates are Friday 20th September,
venue to be decided, along the M62, start time approx
6:30pm - 7.00pm, and Wednesday 25th September, York or
Leeds, near the train station in either case, start time
a little earlier, say 5:30pm - 6.00pm.
Maidenhead
*****
The next meeting in Maidenhead will take place on Wednesday
25 September in The Vine, Maidenhead.
Herts
*****
Date: Thursday 26 September
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: The Five Horseshoes, 1 Church Road, Little Berkhamsted,
Hertford SG13 8LY
Details of this and other Real Life Meetings in the forum:
https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/threads/wwwthreads.pl?a=l&f=meet
To promote your local meeting 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.
Issued on behalf of:
Professional Contractors Group
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This newsletter is published by the Professional Contractors
Group.
Please feel free to circulate the newsletter to other
independent contractors who may be interested in joining
the PCG. Members are also encouraged to share the latest
news and analysis with interested agents, clients and
accountants.
Some links in the newsletter will take you into the
password-protected members' area of the PCG website. If
you have forgotten your password, contact https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/scripts/public/access/form.pl
To view the Forum links in this newsletter, you must be
first logged into the Forum. Further details available
at
https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/members/discussion_forum.html
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