Up until recently that is exactly what some of my employees were, ltd companies, until that is I was advised by people who know much more about these legalities than you or I that this was an unlawful position to be in.
it depends on the circumstances of the contract, the HMRC have specific rules pertaining to this, it is not unlawful to use contractors, many of have contracted in specialists and been contracted ourselves. it depends on teh circumstances, the HMRC rules are available and have been presented more than once on these forums in specific relevent threads.
However, these rules can and have been circumvented by using structures that are outside of the jurisdiction of the HMRC, yes many EU states are trying to crack down on this for their slice of the tax pie that has been lost, so expect more agency 'tourism' switching from state to state.
yes it's crap. but those who signed up up to these schemes only empowered it. contracted flight crews are nothing new that have been used for decades on short term contracts, its only on full time/long time contracts that has caused issue in a deliberate attempt to circumvent employment law and obligations. again those that signed up to these schemes only empowered the schemes.
indeed to the OP, fair play on voicing the realities.
however, this is not something ground breaking or shockingly new, indeed many have voiced the realities of the situation for years now.
so yes while their is notice of publicising the problems, no there will be little in the way of sympathy.
yes i would say it face to face also, if you feel that being honest with someone is *disgraceful* then so be it.
and my anonymity is not that great many know me on this forum and if someone has a justified reason for knowing i will disclose that.