The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
Member companies of the REC met with the Office of Tax Simplification last week to discuss IR35. The REC was recently appointed to the OTS’ small business consultative committee. The head of public policy at the REC, Gillian Econopouly, said she was delighted that members had the opportunity to discuss IR35 directly with the OTS.
The end of the road for IR35? » Read the full story
The problem of the multitude of different government regulations is now so bad that businesses often breach them simply because they don’t know which rules apply to them, according to a new report from the National Audit Office.
SMEs spend weeks trying to understand government regulations » Read the full story
Consumer confidence dipped last month, according to the most recent Expectations and Spending indices from the Nationwide. This could have a knock on effect on umbrella company contractors as businesses rein in spending temporarily.
Private sector unable to absorb public sector job losses » Read the full story
On Wednesday, the government announced new rules regarding work visas for non-EU nationals.
No cap on high earner Certificate of Sponsorship visas » Read the full story
Small businesses may need to re-think their rates if they want to attract highly-skilled talent, according to Badenoch & Clark.
Employers battle it out to attract top umbrella company contractors » Read the full story
APSCo has just released a new online assessment tool to help recruiters benchmark the progress of their consultants, a move that could raise standards and benefit umbrella company contractors.
New online assessment tool for recruiters launched by APSCo » Read the full story
HMRC has been investigating the employment status of locum doctors and as a result they and the practices they work in may have to pay extra tax.
Are locums actually disguised employees? » Read the full story
Umbrella company contractors might be unsurprised to hear that the Commons Treasury select committee has been told that HMRC is nearly at breaking point due to recent staffing cuts.
Are umbrella companies affected by HMRC staff cuts? » Read the full story
Umbrella company contractors will be interested to hear that the REC is joining the Office of Tax Simplification. REC officials will now join a number of other legal and tax experts on the small business consultative committee.
REC joins OTS consultative committee » Read the full story
This week is National Apprenticeship Week and the FSB has taken the opportunity to urge the coalition to remove some of the barriers stifling job creation, to enable more businesses to take on apprentices.
FSB speaks out during National Apprenticeship Week » Read the full story
It can be a cut-throat world competing for contracts, with several people all after the same position. How do you outshine the rest?
How to write the perfect CV, contractor style! » Read the full story
Late payments increased by 16%, to 25.7 days, in the final quarter of last year, a situation which had an adverse affect on some recruitment companies.
Late payments continue to burden recruiters and contractors » Read the full story
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has some worrying news for people who are looking forward to a simpler UK tax system.
Are we really going to see a simplified tax system? » Read the full story
Pfizer, the world’s largest drugmaker, announced last week that it intends to shut down its Research and Development facility in Sandwich within the next 2 years.
Will the Pfizer shutdown affect umbrella company contractors? » Read the full story
Umbrella company contractors and freelancers beware! HMRC may send debt collectors to your door if you owe taxes.
HMRC to use debt collectors to bring in overdue taxes » Read the full story
Small businesses, including limited company contractors, could benefit if the Ministry of Defence rethinks the way it deals with SMEs, according to a new report by the FSB.
MoD should revamp the way it deals with SMEs and contractors » Read the full story
