The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
On Wednesday, the ONS revealed that unemployment in the UK had fallen for the second consecutive month, but candidates and employers still remain cautious.
What do the latest employment figures mean for umbrella company contractors? » Read the full story
In June, George Osborne announced a two year public sector freeze on pay for those employees earning in excess of £21,000 but this will have a detrimental effect according to research carried out by the Institute of Payroll Professionals.
Public sector pay freeze could cause more harm than good » Read the full story
The Scottish economy continued to improve in July, but this improvement did nothing to boost employment levels.
Scottish employment recovery stalls » Read the full story
We’re working harder than ever and struggling to find enough time for leisure activities, according to a survey by Randstad.
The UK’s workforce is working harder! » Read the full story
Vince Cable, the business secretary, has announced that the new ‘one in, one out’ system of regulations will come into effect as from the first of September this year, a move that has been welcomed by the FSB.
Will reduction in regulation benefit umbrella companies? » Read the full story
Demand for contractors dropped in July according to the latest Report on jobs from the REC. This fall is mainly attributed to public sector cuts.
REC reports grim news on interim jobs » Read the full story
The current employment environment should be encouraging entrepreneurship among Britons according to the REC.
Is going it alone the answer to unemployment? » Read the full story
IT contractors could find themselves in demand by some of the largest companies in the UK.
There’s increased demand for IT contractors » Read the full story
IMS Executive Ltd recently conducted a survey of 2,000 public sector Interim Executives, including those from umbrella companies, to find out how willing they would be to reduce their daily rates.
Umbrella company public sector interims make economic sense » Read the full story
A recent story in the press about the pay of an interim manager at the NHS Trust at Dorset County Hospital has caused the Interim Management Association to highlight the value of these highly skilled, expert flexible workers.
Hospital Trust and IMA defend huge costs of interim manager » Read the full story
The coalition is considering scrapping the default retirement age as from October next year.
Default retirement age expected to be scrapped » Read the full story
The REC has written to the chairman of the Office of Tax Simplification highlighting the importance of a comprehensive review of the IR35 regulations.
Reviewing IR35 will not be a quick process warns the OTS » Read the full story
The REC’s Technology sector group recently invited London 2012 Head of Recruitment, Paul Modley, to speak about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead during the countdown to the Olympic Games.
Contract opportunities still available for London 2012 » Read the full story
On Tuesday the government published their proposed amendments to the travel and subsistence expenses scheme for workers receiving the National Minimum Wage.
Travel and subsistence expenses guidelines for umbrella companies » Read the full story
SMEs and umbrella companies have been struggling to get much needed finance from the banks and Vince Cable has now put forward the government’s proposals to force the banks to make more funds available for small companies.
Cable to clamp down on banks that do not lend to SMEs » Read the full story
Robert Walters, a specialist recruitment agency, says that the HR sector is now actively looking for people with human resources and corporate responsibility skills. This should come as positive news for contractors who possess the requisite skill set.
Recruitment for HR professionals is on the up » Read the full story
