Are SMEs relying more and more on umbrella company contractors?
A new survey by international office space supplier, Regus, suggests that the UK’s SMEs are turning to contractors to help them through the uncertain economic times.
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The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
Government confirms AWR review within 18 months
Umbrella company contractors were probably relieved to hear Vince Cable announce that the government intends to review the administrative effects of AWR within the next 18 months.
UK entrepreneurs need expert financial guidance
A survey by Intuit suggests that a lot of UK entrepreneurs do not have the financial expertise to enable them to get the best out of their enterprise.
Pensions auto-enrolment delayed for UK’s smallest firms
Contractors working through an umbrella company may be interested to learn that small firms have been given an extra year to comply with pensions auto-enrolment.
Will talent shortages benefit umbrella company contractors?
IT contractors with mainframe experience could be interested to learn that a lot of CIOs are worried about a shortage of talent in the future.
HMRC has a rethink on IR35
Umbrella company contractors might be interested to learn that HMRC is considering changing the way it thinks about IR35.
Small businesses need to up their level of customer service
Contractors may have noticed that the customer service they receive from small businesses is not always as good as they would expect it to be.
What’s next for finance sector IT contractors?
IT umbrella company contractors working in the finance sector must be wondering what’s going to happen next.
Umbrella company contractor CRB results to go online
Last week, Vince Cable laid down the Government’s plan to get rid of some of the bureaucracy associated with Criminal Records Bureau checks.
October surge in job opportunities good news for contractors
We’re continually hearing gloomy predictions about UK economic growth and demand for contractors in many sectors has been decreasing recently.
Who wants to be a 60-year-old apprentice?
Once they reach the age of 60, some umbrella company contractors will no doubt start counting down the years towards retirement. However, it appears that for some, 60 is the age to learn a new skill by becoming an apprentice.
Have any umbrella company contractors hidden money in Switzerland?
Contractors with HSBC bank accounts in Switzerland could be receiving a letter from the taxman in the near future.
Limited company contractors get tough on debtors
Private sector suppliers, including limited company contractors, are focusing increasingly on their cashflow and threatening clients with legal action if they do not settle their invoices in a timely manner.
Do contractors display more loyalty than permanent staff?
A new survey has revealed that although most employers have a high regard for PAYE umbrella company contractors, a significant number have an antediluvian opinion of them.
Will rising unemployment create more umbrella company contractors?
Last week’s unemployment figures made depressing reading for everybody, including umbrella company contractors.
Treasury admits income tax and NI cannot merge completely
Some limited company contractors have been hoping that the government’s proposal to align income tax and National Insurance would be the final nail in the coffin for IR35.