High business rates are crippling British businesses
Business rates have increased dramatically even though the previous government pledged to help companies through the recession.
Contractor prospects heavily determinant on skills level
Umbrella company contractors looking for executive roles will have been encouraged by the recent comments of Dr John Philpott.
Short to medium-term outlook looks good for umbrella company contractors
The latest JobsOutlook from the REC shows that the overall jobs outlook is still mixed, but in the short to medium term, employers are making more use of temporary agency workers and contractors.
13% jump in new business start-ups says the Royal Mail
For the six month period beginning March this year, nearly 40,000 new businesses have been launched, a rise of 13% on the previous period, according to a study from the Royal Mail.
Bad news for IT contractors working at Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group recently announced it was to cut jobs, a move that will affect 1,150 umbrella company and limited company IT contractors in the UK.
HMRC launch PAYE consultation
HMRC have launched a new consultation that could result in major changes on the horizon for PAYE. The PAYE business processes were introduced in 1944 and have not changed in the following 66 years.
Unemployment down, but how about the future for contractors?
Professionals and employers are showing signs of increased confidence as the unemployment rate falls, according to Hays Recruitment.
IT outsourcing continues to rise despite the economic crisis
Despite the economic downturn, IT outsourcing has increased, according to a study by Computer Economics. Since the recession started, companies have increased the amount they spend on outsourcing services.
Contractors must make sure their tax affairs are in order
HMRC is likely to become more vigilant when it comes to scrutinising the tax affairs of umbrella company contractors, freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Umbrella companies and the agency workers directive
The controversy regarding the Agency Workers Directive continues, as in fact it is likely to so do for some time to come. Although the AWD does not come into force until next October, the recruitment industry is already starting to prepare for implementation.
Top-level IT personnel still in high demand
Despite the decline in demand last month, the ICT sector is still looking healthy, according to the REC’s latest Report on Jobs.
Interim managers may be being too pessimistic
Contractors working in the retail sector have seen their rates slashed since the recession began, according to Interim Partners’ director of retail and consumer.
