The government is to face a court challenge from the Professional Contractors Group over its notorious IR35 legislation, which came into effect on 6 April 2000. PCG, the not-for-profit body representing independent contractors, says that the measures to ensure that professional contractors pay tax and National Insurance as employees is unlawful under European Law. It said that it would be filing a challenge to government through the courts in early May. Gerald Barling QC will be repre-senting the independent group which has more than 8,000 members. Chairman of PCG Gareth Williams said: 'Having taken top legal advice, we are confident that there are several points where we have a valid challenge under European law.'