Time is running out to prepare for the Bribery Act
SMEs must beware the Bribery Act, according to a congress that took place in Brighton earlier this month.
news
The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
UK umbrella company contractors unhappy with personal taxation
The Times newspaper recently asked readers to rank the UK against five key competitors for tax, business friendliness, infrastructure, skills and workforce.
Do you have an incompetent boss?
Are umbrella contractors frustrated by unqualified bosses? If so they are not alone. Recent research from the CMI suggests that incompetent bosses, with misplaced confidence, are stressing out the UK workforce.
Drop in unemployment welcomed but the trend must continue
The FSB recently welcomed the news that unemployed dropped by 88,000 and that a similar number of people entered the workplace.
Would a VAT reduction boost contractor confidence?
Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor, recently called on the coalition to implement a temporary emergency reduction in the VAT rate to jump-start the economy and boost consumer confidence.
Time is running out for umbrella company contractors to renew tax credits
HMRC has issued a reminder to tax credit claimants that they only have until July 31st to renew their claims and it suggests that recipients take action as soon as their renewal pack arrives.
EU is relying on small businesses to drive recovery
The small business sector is crucial to EU growth, according to Helena Walsh, the Brussels regional director for Cicero Consulting.
Is Big Brother watching over your trading activities?
Umbrella company contractors may want to ensure that they are not living beyond their declared means after HMRC announces it is going to get tough on tax evaders.
Public sector strike action could affect umbrella company contractors
Freelancers, contractors and small business owners may want to make preparations so that they are not affected by public sector strikes.
HMRC persist with revenue generating policies
Umbrella contractors need to be aware that HMRC plans to target more sectors in a bid to recoup unpaid taxes.
Will IT contractors join the “green” revolution
IT contractors would be advised to learn some new skills if they want to help drive the green IT revolution.
Are contractors in Scotland finding more opportunities now?
Umbrella company contractors north of the border could be benefiting from increased private sector business activity.
HMRC increases its efforts to curb international tax evasion
HMRC is continuing its quest to catch umbrella company contractors with undeclared earnings in offshore savings accounts and this could spell bad news for hundreds of thousands of British residents.
Will the much heralded Work Programme actually work?
The coalition’s Work Programme launched at the end of last week, but Carmen Watson, the MD of Pertemps, warned that in order to be a success, the programme must match workers with sustainable employment.
NHS Trusts expenditure on umbrella company locums increases dramatically
The Royal College of Surgeons warns that government cutbacks have led to some hospitals using inexperienced locum surgeons as consultants. As well as a lack of experience, the organisation says some foreign locums do not have a good grasp of the English language.
Small businesses want to see a reduction in employers NICs
A new survey from the FSB confirms that small businesses would be more willing to take on staff if the coalition reduced employers National Insurance Contributions.