news Archives

New tax rules could be a nasty shock for some

By UCHQ Team 08/04/2011

Although the new tax changes have been widely publicised, it appears that a lot of people, including umbrella company contractors, are still unaware of the effect they will have on their personal finances.

The coalition’s “monster” will cause problems for employers

By UCHQ Team 07/04/2011

Employers could have problems getting to grips with the new overly complex regulations regarding employees’ tax avoidance schemes that have been detailed in the Finance Bill, according to tax advisers.

Umbrella company contractors face April shut down

By UCHQ Team 06/04/2011

Whilst employees throughout the UK will be rejoicing at the thought of two consecutive long weekends this month, businesses and umbrella companies need to plan early for the closures.

Increased bonuses for directors won’t please shareholders

By UCHQ Team 05/04/2011

Nearly 25% of the UK’s largest organisations will freeze executive salaries this year because shareholders will not tolerate high payouts, according to a new report from PwC.

AWR implementation moves a step closer

By UCHQ Team 04/04/2011

The Agency Worker Regulations were back on everybody’s mind at the end of last week. Following publication of…

New Enterprise Zones could provide more work for contractors

By UCHQ Team 02/04/2011

When he delivered his budget speech last week, the Chancellor announced that 21 enterprise zones were to be created rather than the originally planned 10. Businesses moving into one of these will receive discounts of up to 100% on their rates, superfast broadband and enhanced capital allowances where the zone focuses on manufacturing.

StartUp Britain hopes to encourage more UK entrepreneurs

By UCHQ Team 01/04/2011

The CBI has welcomed the government’s new StartUp Britain campaign saying it could encourage more people to set up their own business.

What should the mood of Scottish umbrella company contractors be?

By UCHQ Team 31/03/2011

The economic recovery in Scotland faltered during the bad weather last December, according to Lloyds TSB’s Scotland Business Monitor.

HMRC clamps down on employee benefit trust schemes

By UCHQ Team 30/03/2011

Umbrella company contractors need to be aware that HMRC is going to clamp down hard on employment benefit trust schemes. EBTS’s are now considered by the government to be a form of disguised remuneration.

New-borns to pay more tax to fund ‘baby boomers’ pensions

By UCHQ Team 29/03/2011

Low-income households and the elderly have been badly hit by the recession, according to research conducted by the BBC and the Institute for Fiscal Studies.