Private sector growth in Scotland accelerated last month
Umbrella company contractors operating north of the border may be relieved to learn that the Scottish private sector growth rate accelerated again in December.
Are British banks telling the full story about SME lending?
The UK’s banks claim they are will meet their Project Merlin lending targets for this year but small businesses, including some umbrella companies, are disputing the claim saying it is becoming harder and costing more to get a loan.
Youth contract scheme could help umbrella companies
The REC is keen to encourage the government to take action to help Britain’s unemployed youngsters, some of whom might become umbrella company contractors, obtain meaningful employment.
Do umbrella contractors undergo psychometric testing?
Umbrella company contractors who have undertaken psychometric tests might be interested to learn the Talent Q believes some recruiters are misusing them.
Banking sector demonstrates increased demand for interims
Interim managers who work through an umbrella company should have noticed an increase in demand for their services towards the end of last year, mainly from the financial services and banking sectors.
Reed Job Index ends the year 17% up on 2010
Umbrella contractors may be interested to learn that the Reed Job Index ended 2011 with 17% more job vacancies than the year before. However, the Job Index ended the year on 121 after falling significantly in December. In November the Index registered 133, a slight increase on the previous month’s 129.
Will set tribunal fees lead to more work for contractors?
It has been announced that fixed tribunal fees are going to be introduced in a bid to avoid unnecessary claims arising from the Agency Workers Directive. The set fees do away with uncertainty and could give employers the confidence they need to increase the size of their umbrella company contractor workforce.
FPB wants to Get Britain Trading in 2012
The eyes of the world will be on the UK this year and umbrella company contractors have a role to play in promoting the contribution small businesses make to the country’s economy.
Should all umbrella companies now use faster payments?
Umbrella company contractors might like top know that the UK’s telephone and internet banking systems have been upgraded to allow same day payments.
Decline in human capital could benefit contractors
The UK is suffering from a decline in human capital according to data from the Office for National Statistics, and this could benefit contractors working through an umbrella company.
REC to provide support for umbrella company contractors
Umbrella company contractors could find themselves getting more support from the REC this year as the Confederation recognises that 2012 is going to be extremely important for the UK’s flexible workers.
Will 2012 be a year of widespread discontent?
2012 will be remembered for the London Olympics, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and if one union leader is to be believed, a year of strikes.
