In the good times, the Professional Contractors Group was there to help freelancers with the terms and conditions of their contracts - to advise in detail whether the requirements of IR35 were met or not and to provide legal help and support to those contractors who fell foul of the legislation.

A sign of the difficult economic conditions is the need for a wide range of organisations to adapt to the current environment - and the PCG is not slow in doing so. The group has produced some detailed guidance on claiming Jobseekers Allowance, aimed specifically at freelancers and contractors.

"In these difficult economic times, it is essential that all freelancers who wish to access the support available to them from the benefits system are able to do so," commented PCG's managing director, John Brazier. "Regrettably, eligibility rules are particularly complex for freelancers, to the point where there is confusion over whether they are entitled to claim at all. PCG's guidance gives clear advice on freelancers' eligibility."

The PCG's guide to Jobseeker's Allowance has been extensively researched and covers eligibility rules for owner-directors of limited companies, sole traders, umbrella workers, and others. Information on how to receive help meeting mortgage repayments and council tax bills is also included. The guide [1] is available to download from PCG's website to both members and non-members. "PCG continues to support freelancers, whether in or out of contract," added Mr Brazier. "We are committed to helping the UK's most flexible and highly skilled workers through the economic downturn."