The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
The FSB recently conducted a survey of more than 1,400 of its members and found that 63% of small businesses, including recruitment agencies and umbrella companies, do not plan to increase their workforce over the coming 3 months.
Has unemployment really peaked? » Read the full story
The REC has had to postpone an upcoming workshop about improved recruitment practices in the public sector due to the flight disruption caused by the Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajökull.
Contractors and recruiters affected by travel disruption » Read the full story
The CIPD has predicted that half a million jobs could be cut in the public sector over the next 5 years. This could be potentially damaging to the umbrella company industry, since many workers reside in this sector.
Public sector cuts could impact umbrella companies » Read the full story
According to new research by reThink Recruitment, pay rates for IT contractors in the north of the country are increasing more than three times quicker than the rates for equivalent contractors in the south.
IT contractor pay rates increase in the north » Read the full story
Limited company contractors, recruitment agencies and umbrella companies could be in line for a series of new PAYE penalties, which have been introduced by HMRC from the start of this tax year.
New PAYE fines introduced by HMRC » Read the full story
According to recent research by BACS, the payment of invoices to UK SMEs, including limited company contractors and umbrella companies, is being delayed by an average of more than 40 days longer than the original invoice date.
Late payment trends could affect umbrella companies » Read the full story
The Liberal Democrats released their election manifesto yesterday and pledged among other things to crackdown on tax avoidance. They also want to scrap income tax below a threshold of £10,000, costing the UK exchequer around £16.7bn a year.
Lib Dems pledge to target tax avoidance » Read the full story
According to the Conservatives, the proposed 1% increase in National Insurance Contributions will result in the loss of nearly 60,000 jobs from the UK economy. This figure was cited in their election manifesto, published on Tuesday.
Further doubt over Tory National Insurance claims » Read the full story
The Labour party released its election manifesto yesterday and it did not contain many new policies relating to tax and businesses They did promise to keep business taxation competitive and encourage investment by increasing capital allowances.
Will Labour’s election manifesto affect umbrella companies? » Read the full story
From 6th April 2010, new PAYE regulations mean that HMRC will accept the use of electronic P60s (also known as eP60s). This is great news for large employers, such as umbrella companies.
New PAYE rules will benefit umbrella companies » Read the full story
The REC’s latest report on jobs shows that in March growth in temporary placements reached the strongest level for nearly 3 years. This proves the “vital flexibility” that temporary and contract workers, including umbrella company contractors, provide for UK businesses.
Temporary and permanent recruitment on the rise » Read the full story
Gordon Brown is going to strengthen the links between the Points Based System and training UK workers in a bid to fill the UK’s skills gap.
Umbrella companies welcome action on illegal workers » Read the full story
HMRC is in line for a tough year as they face more cost cuts whilst continuing to find and chase tax evaders. This could have a knock on effect on those who work through umbrella companies.
HMRC cuts could affect service they provide to umbrella companies » Read the full story
Only 35% of IT workers in Europe are female according to the latest European survey by the IT Job Board. This could be about to change however as more women are now entering the sector.
Where are all the female IT contractors? » Read the full story
How quickly the months roll around, the first quarter seemed to just disappear with minimal upset for most umbrella companies (there were a couple of exceptions).
Wanting the quiet life… » Read the full story
There have been a lot of complaints recently about the proposed hike in NICs and the Tories seem to have taken heed.
National Insurance cuts becomes an election issue » Read the full story
