The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
Tax experts have said that tax relief reforms should be implemented in conjunction with a reform of the actual rates of taxation.
Tax relief reforms and tax rate reforms should go together » Read the full story
Maternity leave will not be extended to 20 weeks after the European parliament voted to turn down amendments to the Pregnant Workers Directive.
Umbrella company maternity leave will remain as it is at least till next year » Read the full story
The AWR are due to be implemented next October and the REC is now getting ready to launch a wide-ranging support programme to help recruitment agencies and business leaders prepare for the legislation.
REC to provide additional AWR support for its members » Read the full story
The Office of Tax Simplification is to look into the issues surrounding family businesses that split their income in a bid to avoid paying taxes.
Income splitting to be investigated by OTS » Read the full story
The FSB is calling on the coalition and the banks to give small businesses a bit of breathing space so that they can stay afloat over the festive season.
Don’t let the cold freeze SMEs out of business says the FSB » Read the full story
The REC has been investigating anti-competitive behaviour by 7 recruitment businesses that operate in the construction sector and last Friday it revealed its findings.
Anti-competitive behaviour condemned by the REC » Read the full story
Umbrella company contractors have put in claims for around half a million pounds worth of unpaid invoices following the collapse of Albany at the beginning of 2010.
Umbrella company contractors owed money from Albany have longer to wait » Read the full story
A new report from the National Audit Office says that HMRC raised £8.5bn from its investigations into cases of serious tax evasion.
HMRC increases revenue from tax evasion cases » Read the full story
The FPB has warned small firms that they will face a number of challenges over the next few years.
SMEs face a challenging few years » Read the full story
The government must prioritise the up-skilling of workers in areas where the UK has skills shortages.
Action is needed before UK talent shortage becomes critical » Read the full story
Discussions between the government and recruitment bodies regarding the AWR are going ahead as promised.
Ed Davey visits the REC to discuss industry concerns » Read the full story
Tax experts have applauded the government’s grown up approach towards creating a more stable tax system.
Will the Finance Bill affect umbrella companies? » Read the full story
Employee benefit trusts and employment finance retirement benefits schemes are the latest to be targeted in proposed Treasury regulations.
Finance Bill 2011 tackles disguised remuneration » Read the full story
Umbrella company contractors and other freelance workers have been warned to be cautious of schemes that claim to be HMRC approved, when really they are referring to the reference number allocated to a scheme.
Overseas tax havens may not be as safe as tax evaders hope » Read the full story
The Bank of England base rate is to remain at its historically low rate of 0.5%, at least for the immediate future, the Monetary Policy Committee has announced.
Interest rates will remain historically low for a bit longer » Read the full story
HMRC has launched a consultation asking for opinions on the introduction of real-time information into the PAYE taxation system.
Will real-time PAYE information benefit umbrella company contractors? » Read the full story
