This is not a loophole
it is a consequence of the UK/France bilateral Tax agreement. No-one should have any hang ups about mentioning it here, dear Gordon Brown is well aware of what is going on and as yet can do little about it - other than investigate the expats on a systematic basis to ensure they are complying with the 90 days non-residency rule and also the "centre of interest" clause. I might have more sympathy with the guy if he was as agressive in getting the IR to look at the offshore dealings of some major UK Companies..but I digress.
Shanwick - Where do you get the info that it
is changing this year? My latest info, from less than a week ago was that the bilateral still stood. Last I heard ( again last week), was that were significant delays in getting the proposed changes through the French legislature.
Freddy Forks - see what you have started
. Those living abroad but working for a UK based Company still pay a proportion of UK income Tax, and in all probability UK NI contributions as well. Lots of crew have in the past used The Fry Group in Worthing,
http://www.thefrygroup.co.uk The may well give you intial "consultation" for free, but be warned they are expensive if you decide to use them on a continual basis.