The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
Employers could have problems getting to grips with the new overly complex regulations regarding employees’ tax avoidance schemes that have been detailed in the Finance Bill, according to tax advisers.
The coalition’s “monster” will cause problems for employers » Read the full story
Whilst employees throughout the UK will be rejoicing at the thought of two consecutive long weekends this month, businesses and umbrella companies need to plan early for the closures.
Umbrella company contractors face April shut down » Read the full story
Nearly 25% of the UK’s largest organisations will freeze executive salaries this year because shareholders will not tolerate high payouts, according to a new report from PwC.
Increased bonuses for directors won’t please shareholders » Read the full story
The Agency Worker Regulations were back on everybody’s mind at the end of last week. Following publication of the draft guidelines last Thursday, a two week consultation period is under way during which time the REC will be collecting feedback from its members and submitting a response to the BIS.
AWR implementation moves a step closer » Read the full story
When he delivered his budget speech last week, the Chancellor announced that 21 enterprise zones were to be created rather than the originally planned 10. Businesses moving into one of these will receive discounts of up to 100% on their rates, superfast broadband and enhanced capital allowances where the zone focuses on manufacturing.
New Enterprise Zones could provide more work for contractors » Read the full story
The CBI has welcomed the government’s new StartUp Britain campaign saying it could encourage more people to set up their own business.
StartUp Britain hopes to encourage more UK entrepreneurs » Read the full story
The economic recovery in Scotland faltered during the bad weather last December, according to Lloyds TSB’s Scotland Business Monitor.
What should the mood of Scottish umbrella company contractors be? » Read the full story
Umbrella company contractors need to be aware that HMRC is going to clamp down hard on employment benefit trust schemes. EBTS’s are now considered by the government to be a form of disguised remuneration.
HMRC clamps down on employee benefit trust schemes » Read the full story
Low-income households and the elderly have been badly hit by the recession, according to research conducted by the BBC and the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
New-borns to pay more tax to fund ‘baby boomers’ pensions » Read the full story
Nearly 80% of IT directors believe private sector workers provide better value.
Umbrella company IT contractors provide good value for money » Read the full story
The FSB claims the Chancellor missed a golden opportunity to boost the creation of jobs when he delivered his budget on Wednesday.
Has the budget created stability for umbrella contractors? » Read the full story
It will come as no surprise to read that morale in the public sector is low.
Ex-public sector workers are suffering from low self esteem » Read the full story
Recruiters have reported that temporary workers and umbrella company contractors are now reluctant to travel long distances to get to work due to the increasing cost of fuel.
Increased fuel costs puts contractors off commuting » Read the full story
Freelancers with digital skills could be one group to benefit from the government’s public sector cuts.
Prospects are good for contractors with digital skills » Read the full story
Self-employed umbrellas seem to be the new “in thing” – it’s almost like umbrella companies around the country had a eureka moment all at once and decided to run a “new model” to catch everyone they couldn’t put through the typical PAYE umbrella.
Self-Employed Umbrella Companies » Read the full story
As budget day looms ever closer, various organisations have been urging the government to create an environment that supports entrepreneurs, small businesses and umbrella company contractors.
George Osborne must deliver a small business friendly Budget » Read the full story
