IT contractors have been provided with some new guidance on vetting policies for working within national security posts.

A Prime Ministerial Statement has provided the most comprehensive outline of vetting procedure since 1994, helping IT contractors understand which posts they are able to apply for, according to the PCG.

A key point raised in the guidance is the stipulation that no-one should be expected to hold an existing security clearance to apply for a sensitive post.

The Cabinet Office has told the PCG that it was necessary to produce "clear articulation" of the vetting policy.

It now hope that the guidance will assist "continuing efforts to address instances where individuals who do not hold an existing clearance are excluded from applying for certain vacancies".

The PCG is an organisation that lobbies government on behalf on self-employed contractors and freelancers, recently claiming victory with a successful campaign to have IR35 tax legislation reviewed.