Contractors are doing well despite the slow growing economy
Despite the slow growth in the UK economy, contractors such as those working through umbrella companies are doing surprisingly well, according to a new survey by the PCG.
REC phone lines have been swamped with AWR calls
Umbrella contractors might be interested to learn that the REC’s legal helpline has been swamped with calls from members querying the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations, which come into force today (Saturday, October 1st).
Reversing VAT rate would damage recovery says FSB
The FSB has called on politicians to stop playing politics when it comes to the economic recovery and formulate a realistic plan to help small businesses grow.
How many umbrella company contractors are there in the UK workforce?
People Per Hour recently surveyed 9,000 businesses about their usage of freelancers and discovered that the number of businesses using flexible workers has risen by 68% in the last 12 months.
IR35 enquiries don’t seem to be bringing in the cash
Umbrella company contractors may be interested to learn that HMRC only yielded slightly over £200,000 last year from their enquiries into the IR35 status of self-employed workers.
Overseas investors deterred by excessive UK bureaucracy
Red tape is putting a lot of organisations off investing in the UK, according to recent research from BDO.
Umbrella company contractor uses increases
The private sector is now using nearly as many interims as it did before the recession, according to the Interim Management Association.
HMRC to add 2,250 anti-avoidance tax inspectors
Umbrella contractors might like to know that Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, has said HMRC is to strengthen the size of its team tackling tax avoidance and evasion by adding more than 2,000 additional tax inspectors this autumn.
REC says something must be done about youth unemployment
After last week’s disappointing jobs statistics showed that youth unemployment is still increasing, the REC has called on the business community to become involved in proactive initiatives such as the Youth Employment Charter.
Do freelancers think a North/South divide really exists?
Results from the latest Manpower Employment Outlook survey suggest that there is a North/South divide among UK employers when it comes to hiring confidence.
Do umbrella company contractors have innovative ideas?
According to recent research by Orange, small businesses are asking all of their employees, including support staff, to come up with ideas for growing the business.
Is HMRC about to improve its service to contractors?
Umbrella company contractors and small business owners could be relieved to learn that HMRC intends to improve the level of service it supplies to taxpayers.
