A lot of contractors were probably waiting with bated breath to hear the latest news from the IR35 Forum. However, they were in for a disappointment when HMRC postponed the meeting scheduled for the 18th of January, saying there was more work to be done.
HSE Passport, the firm that offers umbrella companies advice with Health and Safety legislation, is urging recruiters to make sure contractors receive health and safety training before they start a contract.
There was less demand for umbrella company contractors with IT skills last month than at any other time during 2011, according to the latest Report on Jobs from the REC.
Umbrella contractors could be amongst those to benefit from the government’s decision to let the High Speed Two rail link go ahead. It is thought that HS2 could lead to the creation of as many as sixty thousand jobs.
Under new proposals published last week, individuals, including umbrella contractors, who are suspected of committing a tax fraud will no longer be immune from prosecution.
Umbrella company contractors operating north of the border may be relieved to learn that the Scottish private sector growth rate accelerated again in December.
The UK’s banks claim they are will meet their Project Merlin lending targets for this year but small businesses, including some umbrella companies, are disputing the claim saying it is becoming harder and costing more to get a loan.