PCG to put Osborne in the dock
This Wednesday George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Second Lord of the Treasury will once again stand before Parliament and the country to outline his big ideas for the economy. PCG, the organisation representing the UK’s 1.6 million freelancers, don’t look like they are anticipating good news and will be holding Osborne to account via a ‘Live Trial’ taking place on their website throughout the afternoon.
As part of the PCG Budget Special, they will be running a live trial following George Osborne’s Budget Announcement on their website from 1pm on Wednesday 20th March.
After Osborne delivers his Budget to the House of Commons, the ‘Prosecution’ (which looks likely to be a Labour Minister) will deliver a statement for the Prosecution at 3pm. At the same time, Conservative MP John Glen, Parliamentary advisor to PCG will be posting a statement for the Defence at 3pm.
Once the ‘Jury’ have had a chance to digest the Defence and the Prosecution, they will deliver their verdict at around 3.15pm. After which an online poll will open so the world at large can have their say too.
The PCG Jury will consist of twelve men and women from the ranks of UK’s fastest growing business sector of professional freelancers and contractors. If you want to get involved and be part of the Jury, send an email to pressoffice@pcg.org.uk. Deadline for Jury service is 12 noon on Tuesday 19th March.
The ‘live trial’ forms part of a busy week of analysis from PCG, who have gone on record this morning to state the see three key issues addressed through the Budget. See the PCG Press Office for a full analysis of those and the latest on the Budget at www.pcg.org.uk/press-centre.
The last word goes to PCG Chairman, Chris Bryce:
“The Chancellor should be in no doubt he is on trial. Freelancers see his inaction as an economic dereliction of duty. We want to see the Chancellor answer these charges we want him to show vision, kick-start the economy and recognise the amazing talented army of freelancers he has at his disposal to help him and the nation win the economic battle. Despite the dramatic rise in the number of freelancers and the demonstrable benefits that they bring, there is still a failure to adequately recognize both the needs of freelancers and the benefit they provide.”
"Clear tax rules and simple, straightforward tax guidance would demonstrate the Government recognises the vital role freelancers play in the economy. Freelancers will help drive the economy, we need the Chancellor to set us free to do that."
To keep up to date with everything Freelancing from this week's Budget, use the hashtag #pcgbudget over on Twitter.
