news Archives

Umbrella companies and the agency workers directive

By UCHQ Team 12/10/2010

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

By UCHQ Team 11/10/2010

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

By UCHQ Team 09/10/2010

Contractors working in the retail sector have seen their rates slashed since the recession began, according to Interim Partners’ director of retail and consumer.

Are you a freelance mastermind?

By UCHQ Team 08/10/2010

The PCG is holding Mastermind sessions throughout the UK in the run up to National Freelancers Day (November 23rd).

Recruitment optimism for umbrella company contractors

By UCHQ Team 07/10/2010

The services sector showed modest growth last month, according to the most recent Markit/CIPS Business Activity Index.

Those nearing retirement want more taxation advice

By UCHQ Team 06/10/2010

A new survey by Just Retirement has found that workers who have retired or are nearing retirement would like to receive more guidance on taxation and other issues. This can include those working through umbrella companies.

Is a centralised tax system a viable option in the UK?

By UCHQ Team 05/10/2010

Employers may be relieved to pass over employee tax calculations to HMRC but experts are not convinced that a centralised tax system will work efficiently in the UK.

Should umbrella company contractors be saving or spending?

By UCHQ Team 04/10/2010

Last week, the Bank of England controversially hinted that we should be spending rather than saving.

Mixed predictions on the future of the economy

By UCHQ Team 02/10/2010

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research think tank predicts that the UK’s economy will increase by 1.3% this year. In 2011, GDP will grow by 1.7% followed by an increase of 2.2% in 2012.

Entrepreneurs leap by 117% in the last 5 years

By UCHQ Team 01/10/2010

There’s been a massive surge in the number of entrepreneurs who have set up limited companies in the last five years, according to Experian.

More people are now benefiting from flexible working

By UCHQ Team 30/09/2010

Umbrella company contractors will no doubt be interested to learn that more people in the UK are now working flexibly.

Temporary immigration cap leads to a social worker shortage

By UCHQ Team 29/09/2010

The government’s temporary immigration cap is harming the social work profession according to recent reports in the media. In July, the government imposed a limit of 24,100 skilled workers from non EU countries entering the UK and a permanent immigration cap will be in place next year.