I really must think about writing these jottings earlier in the week. I routinely find myself talking about things that have just happened rather than predicting what’s about to happen.

After a lot of study and reading all kinds of authoritative sources I think I’ve worked out a business idea that lets you build a multi-billion pound business over the course of a few years.

You have to laugh, you know. I never cease to be amazed at the number of posts I see about contractors claiming all sorts of problems with, variously, notice periods (don’t need them, as I’ve said before), IR35-safe contracts (fine as long as they represent reality), the AWR (don’t start me on that one again).

It is interesting to note that before an MP takes his or her seat in the House they are required, by a law dating back to 1562, to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to the Crown. Perhaps surprisingly they do not make any promises to behave but rely on a long tradition of honest and open behaviour instead.

I’ve been having a funny old week at work. For once I’ve got up to date on my deliverables and am waiting on assorted worthies to review and respond to the results. Meanwhile the technical team next door are working all hours God sent to keep up, while my in tray is almost empty. Well, it makes for a quiet, if rather boring life.

Now here’s an interesting question: if you wanted to hold up an example of a successful freelance, who would you pick? That might seem an odd sort of thing to do, but as part of the lead up to National Freelancers Day on November 23rd, the idea was floated.

Last week I got into one of those elliptical conversations you sometimes have on the internet. It started off with one of those all-to-frequent questions, “My new contract hasn’t got a notice period! What am I going to do?” Silly question: “Earn a lot of money while you finish the gig” was my response.

I thought it worth returning to the Agency Workers Regulations again, if only because I was ever so slightly amused by the reactions of certain agencies to them.

It’s happening on Saturday and no, I don’t mean Scotland beating England by eight points. Although that would be fun for us Welsh. No, Saturday is the day the eagerly anticipated Agency Workers Regulations come into force.

As well as being technically proficient, independently minded and a bit intolerant of rigid work patterns, we’re also a tolerant bunch, us contractors. You kind of get used to having to dig out the truth from the often intentional obfuscation you get from the agencies, the client, the civil service and a host of other places.

I’ve been having a rather quiet week, for some reason, although there have been two notable successes. Work seems to have hit one of those periodic phases where I’ve done all I can and am now waiting for assorted other (and rather more busy) people to review what I’ve been doing.

Regular readers – both of them – will have learned by now that if someone ever sets up an Appreciation Society for the benefit of Saint Vince of Cable I am unlikely to be in the queue for tickets.