Fuel bills will increase to pay for National Grid update
Chris Huhne, the energy secretary, has warned that the government must act now and update the National Grid, or face the prospect of blackouts within eight years.
news
The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
Umbrella company contractors need to check their tax calculations
The Low Income Tax Reform Group is urging taxpayers, including umbrella company contractors, to double check calculations if they receive letters from HMRC.
IT contractors could benefit from skills shortages
IT umbrella contractors might find their skills in demand as a skills shortage looms in the sector.
Small businesses are getting a raw deal from the banks
It might come as no surprise to umbrella contractors to learn that small businesses are losing faith in the UK’s banking system.
UK banks recruit volunteer SME mentors
The UK’s major high street banks are recruiting staff, both current and retired, to act as volunteer mentors to help small businesses thrive.
Recruitment agencies can help government ICT strategy
The government must make good on its promise to open up the market if recruitment agencies are to help implement its ICT strategy, according to the REC Technology group.
Do global recruitment levels signal good times ahead for umbrella companies?
Antal International’s latest global snapshot of employment markets shows that hiring activity rose slightly in the last quarter.
Should sole traders be exempt from certain legislation?
The British Chamber of Commerce recently called on the coalition to encourage sole traders to grow by making them exempt from certain legislation.
Business failures have started to increase again
Umbrella company contractors may be interested to learn that Equifax, the information solutions provider, has revealed that the number of business failures has been increasing since the start of the new financial year.
Will highly skilled workers flee UK?
The Work Foundation recently said that the UK’s future prosperity would only be secured if the knowledge economy provided jobs and balanced growth.
Can umbrella company contractors help organisations meet targets?
New research from the Hay Group shows that employees are too stretched to meet their business targets. 46% of employers admitted their staff already have too much on their plates even though CEOs have set ambitious growth targets for this year.
Contractors could be in line for tax rebates
Millions of taxpayers, including umbrella company contractors, could be in line for a tax refund after HMRC reconciles its books.
Young British workers are feeling highly stressed
Contractors are unlikely to be surprised to hear that British employees in the 18 to 29 age group are suffering from high levels of workplace stress and they believe they are been forced to bear the brunt of the credit crisis recovery.
Should female umbrella company contractors utilise social networking more?
It would appear that UK men are more savvy than their female counterparts when it comes to professional networking.
Mixed messages for people on short-term contracts
A new report from APSCo suggests that temporary workers might be in for a hard time in the next few months.
Entrepreneurs need more organisational skills
According to Andrum Consulting, most entrepreneurs lack the organisational skills necessary to launch their ideas successfully.