The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
The KPMG and REC’s latest Report on jobs shows that recruitment demand for IT contractors has dropped for the 3rd consecutive month, whilst demand in all other sectors is rising.
Confusion on outlook for IT contractors » Read the full story
Umbrella company contractors working in the public sector can take comfort from recent comments made by Sir Peter Gershon. Gershon has already published a review into public sector efficiency in the UK and he was a special adviser to the Tories during the run up to the recent election.
Public sector contracts unlikely to dry up immediately » Read the full story
IT contractors are on the move! At least that’s the view of the largest IT recruitment agency, SThree.
Umbrella company contractors see some positive signs » Read the full story
The PCG has launched a checklist to help clients’ double check they have all the steps in place to ensure a project runs smoothly.
PCG launch flexible worker checklist for clients » Read the full story
Morale is currently low at HMRC and employees have now been warned that they are in for tough times ahead. Chief Executive, Lesley Strathie, informed staff that they need to be realistic about the challenges they face.
Tough times ahead for HMRC » Read the full story
Contractors, freelancers and umbrella company workers could in line for a bumper summer if the latest online job figures are to be believed.
Freelancers, jobs, and the web 2.0 revolution » Read the full story
The coalition promised to cut the amount of red tape that umbrella companies and contractors are subjected to and yesterday Vince Cable announced the first stage of the plan.
Welcome announcement on red tape reduction » Read the full story
A decrease in IT budgets could mean that contractors are expected to work harder this year. ReThink Recuitment conducted a study that shows that two thirds of decision makers in IT think workloads will increase over the remaining months of 2010.
IT contractors expected to do more with a smaller budget » Read the full story
Ten of thousands of people, including contractors and freelancers, have been affected by the tax coding problems caused when HMRC migrated their records to a new computer system earlier this year.
Umbrella company workers affected by HMRC PAYE mistakes » Read the full story
Employers and recruiters are becoming more optimistic and their confidence levels have reached their highest level this year, which could benefit those working through umbrella companies.
Recruiters cautiously optimistic about recovery » Read the full story
The European Union has proposed a new set of guidelines for labour reform in the member states but the ARC is concerned that the EU agency workers’ guidelines depict contractors and freelancers in a negative light.
Flexible workers provide benefits for clients » Read the full story
Small businesses in the UK are spending too much time complying with red tape and government bureaucracy, according to a new report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Some legislation “just isn’t needed”! » Read the full story
Small businesses, umbrella companies and limited company IT contractors will be in a state of ‘limbo’ until the emergency Budget is delivered on 22nd June.
What does the budget hold for umbrella companies? » Read the full story
The REC is understandably delighted that George Osborne has reversed part of the plan to increase NICs. They had opposed the move, as had all business bodies, as the potential cost would have prevented the jobs market recovering fully from the recession.
What does the Queen’s speech mean for contractors? » Read the full story
On Monday the Treasury released its plans to save £6.2 billion from the public sector budget. One of the planned measures is to cut £95 million from IT spending, which could affect those working through umbrella companies.
Market for IT umbella company contractors unclear » Read the full story
The Chartered Institute of Taxation has called on the new coalition to prioritise tax reform. They have written to George Osborne, the new chancellor, highlighted the need to simplify the current tax regime.
Current tax system “too confusing” for contractors » Read the full story
