>>snip<
>
>>(Cover my ass disclaimer)
>>As I understand it,
>>(end disclaimer)
>>
>>The latest is that the amendments were voted down by the House of Lords, so the whole lot gets sent back to the Commons. The Chancellor could try to force some of the measures through with the Finance bill OR the government could do what it should have done in the first place and have a proper consultation period (this time including people involved in the industry) and amend the proposals.
>>
>>Since I became a contractor my annual tax contributions must have risen three-fold. Yes, I agree I earn more money now but if the proposed measures (or something like them) were to be enforced, many contractors would move back to permanent employment and total tax paid to the treasury must surely fall as a result. What's the point in that?
>
>Well, then perhaps all those folks who are living off of your labors would have to go get a real job? *g*
>
>We've had a measure of success here in the States in helping folks find real work. Now the monies that were formerly sent for welfare are ..er.. helping out elsewhere. *g*
>
>What did we colonists revolt over; 1.5% tax? *G*
>
>And I like tea! *BG*
>
>Best,

Hi,

I'm in no way complaining about the increase in my tax, merely stating that if I hadn't become a Contractor and increased my earnings, the government would have missed out on a chunk of cash. The measures they have been trying to push through might just result in reduced overall taxes from IT Contract workers in the UK.