What’s next for IR35? Scrap heap or reform?
Directors said the OTS should have prioritised the design of a clear business test to distinguish between employees and the self-employed.
Will the Growth and Innovation Fund solve skills shortages?
Umbrella company contractors and small businesses could benefit from the government’s recently launched Growth and Innovation Fund.
Private sector hiring intentions are on the rise
Contractors may be interested to learn that the latest Employment Outlook Survey from Manpower predicts that hiring will increase slightly in Q2. The survey reveals that the seasonally adjusted net outlook for employment is +2%.
Are we set to see more female umbrella company contractors?
Female IT workers thinking about becoming contractors have some food for thought after the MD of Women in Technology, Maggie Berry, commented that the sector was still very much male dominated.
Will Enterprise Zones work now when they failed before?
During the Conservative Party’s spring conference last weekend, George Osborne said the government planned to reintroduce Enterprise Zones.
Do contractors use ISAs to save tax?
Contractors may want to take the advice of the Nationwide and use their ISA tax relief allowance for this year before it runs out.
Do HMRC provide umbrella companies with a poor service?
It will probably come as no surprise to umbrella company contractors to learn that complaints against HMRC have increased dramatically over the last couple of years.
47 tax reliefs should be axed says the OTS
The OTS has now identified 47 out of 1,042 tax reliefs that could be abolished and a further 17 that could be simplified. It’s long awaited report was published last Thursday.
Freelancers need economic stability!
The government needs to concentrate on prioritising economic stability in this month’s budget, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. A call that is also likely to be endorsed by umbrella company contractors.
Opportunities galore for IT contractors
IT umbrella company contractors should have been amongst those to benefit from an upsurge in demand for their services in recent months.
Do umbrella company contractors need language lessons?
Contractors who have been used to public sector working will need to learn private sector language if they become victims of the government spending cuts.
HMRC should rethink its Business Records Check programme
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland has claimed that HMRC’s proposals to check SME and umbrella company record keeping are flawed.
