Contractors average hourly rates increase slightly
Umbrella company contractors will be pleased to learn that despite the global economic turmoil, their rates have managed to increase.
Progress at last from the IR35 Forum
Contractors, including those working through an umbrella company, may be interested to learn that the IR35 Forum is starting to make real progress.
Umbrella contractors need to get their tax affairs in order
UK limited company contractors may want to seek the advice of an accountant now that the coalition has struck a deal with the Swiss government in a bid to win the battle against offshore tax evasion.
IT contractors could benefit from government investment
IT contractors working through an umbrella company might be set to benefit from a new round of government investment.
Will umbrella companies suffer from AWR?
The Cranfield School of Management thinks the implementation of AWR will cause small business owners to think more carefully about using workers from umbrella companies.
Demand drops for contractors with banking experience
Umbrella contractors may be interested to learn that the September Job Index from Reed showed falling job demand in a range of sectors. The index fell back one index point compared to the previous month, although demand is still up 16% year-on-year.
Umbrella contractors will not get tax cuts for Christmas
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said recently that the government will be unable to cut taxes this parliament due to the global economic crisis.
Would a second round of QE benefit the UK economy?
The Bank of England says that the quantitative easing programme that was rolled out after the credit crunch boosted the UK’s economy by 2%, adding weight to demands for the Bank to print more money.
Small businesses urgently need to access credit
Vince Cable, the business secretary, says that the suggestion to set up a new government funded bank to lend to SMEs, would not be effective in tackling the crisis those businesses face when trying to obtain credit.
Are there opportunities for young umbrella company contractors in the media sector?
While a large number of the UK’s young people remain unemployed, there is a shortage of junior talent with experience in media and creatives, according to the chairman of Aspire Global Network.
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).
