Public / private sector disparity in rules, and hypocracy by the rulemakers is totally out of date and out of order.
I have nothing to add to this thread particulaly other than my disgust at HMRC's recent behaviour to many common, decent taxpayers.
Before too long, they will have a mob of young, overtaxed, DC (if any) pension holders on their third job in as many years wielding pitchforks outside their offices. For too long, elder, DB-schemed, job-for-life public sector employees have pillaged tax revenues for their own benefit with the connivance of public sector unions.
Down with unions and up with open, transparent and free trade in labour.
(Rant off)