Will HMRC helpline changes affect umbrella companies?
The Low Income Tax Reform Group believes that HMRC’s decision to reduce the opening hours of its helpline will hamper it in its long term aim to move to online services.
IT managers hope to see increased budgets soon
A new report from Numara Software could interest umbrella company IT contractors. It suggests that IT budgets in the UK suffered more than in some other European countries.
Recruiters against licensing
The REC is calling for the current enforcement mechanism for the recruitment sector to be protected and enhanced.
What will umbrella companies submit to ‘Your Freedom’?
The coalition launched its ‘Your Freedom’ website last Thursday; a move that has been welcomed by the FSB.
Don’t mess with the Agency Workers Directive!
Vince Cable has pledged to review the incoming agency workers directive but some employers are warning him not to jeopardise a deal that was previously agreed with the unions.
Computer game contractors affected by tax break loss
The government’s decision to scrap video game tax relief has caused both Sony and Activision Blizzard to reconsider investing further in the UK, a development that could affect umbrella company contractors.
How do umbrella companies stand out from the crowd?
Each month a new umbrella company bursts on the scene with an offering that inevitably boasts a competitive weekly fee, 'world class' customer services and a bullet proof, 'HMRC-compliant' expenses policy.
CFOs uneasy about economic outlook
Chief financial officers in the UK are feeling less confident about the economy according to Robert Half.
Road to cloud computing to benefit IT contractors
The cloud services market is growing and this could benefit umbrella company contractors and sole traders working in the IT sector.
Concerns over affect of immigration cap
The REC is concerned that the government’s proposed immigration cap will lead to a greater skills shortage in certain sectors. However, this has annoyed some contractors who feel threatened by cheap labour from outside the EU.
Umbrella company IT contractors not happy with budget
IntaPeople, an IT recruitment company has warned that key IT personnel, including those working through umbrella companies, will resign from the public sector and secure better opportunities elsewhere.
Umbrella companies could be hit with pension hike
Both the BCC and the CBI have hit out at the coalition’s proposal to abolish the default retirement age from April 2011. The BCC’s director of policy, Adam Marshall, says this will restrict the ability of businesses to manage their workforce.
