Changes to employment law could lead to hire and fire culture
There are concerns that small businesses will adopt a ‘hire and fire’ culture if proposed reforms to employment laws go ahead.
Are umbrella companies preparing for Real Time Information?
Umbrella companies should start thinking about the changes they will need to make to their payroll software so that they can implement HMRC’s Real Time Information system.
Are online marketplaces set to take over from traditional recruiters?
Would you offer an agency a bonus to find you a contract? Apparently one IT contractor did exactly that and told recruiters he would pay £1,500 to whichever consultancy secured him a position!
IR35 case delivers first ever split verdict
Umbrella company contractors will no doubt be interested to learn that an unprecedented verdict was recently passed down in an IR35 case.
What do umbrella company contractors think about the prospects for 2012?
A recent survey by the PCG found that most limited company contractors think the UK’s economic landscape will not improve next year.
Long festive break? It’s the ideal time to rehash your CV!
The festive season can be a quiet time for many umbrella company contractors; companies close down for a long break, and in the case of IT contractors, most of the major banks have told them to take a mandatory two-week break.
How much can contractors put in their pension fund this year?
Contractors are no doubt aware that the government recently changed the rules on the amount of money people can put aside in a pension scheme and still benefit from tax relief. It used to be £225,000, but earlier this year chancellor Osborne reduced that to a mere £50,000 per year.
Umbrella company contractors with international skills could be in demand
Umbrella company contractors with international skills could find themselves in demand after Vince Cable said people with such skills were in short supply.
Are scrooge employers alienating their staff this Christmas?
The Forum of Private Business is warning companies that they could alienate their workers, including umbrella contractors, if they scrap this year’s office Christmas party.
HMRC signs deal with Experian to catch tax credit fraudsters
Umbrella company contractors who receive tax credits or other financial assistance may be interested to learn that HMRC recently signed a deal with Experian to help it catch people who fraudulently claim tax credits and other benefits.
Umbrella company contractors should prepare for the year of the Cloud
Never mind the year of the dragon, 2012 will be the year of the cloud for IT contractors.
Nearly half a million new UK businesses launched in 2011
Umbrella company contractors might be interested to learn that despite the continuing economic turmoil at home and abroad this year, experts predict that more than 470,000 new businesses will have been created before the end of 2011.
