Umbrella company contractors might be interested to hear that the government will be distributing £450 million of funding over the next few months to deprived areas as part of its regional growth fund initiative.
Business futurologist, Dr James Bellini, believes that UK contractors will see more opportunities for remote and virtual working. He said that growth in these areas should come as no surprise.
UK personal debt has now reached “tipping point” according to a recent report from moneysupermarket.com.
The annual immigration cap came into force earlier this month and the REC has warned that the use of ICTs needs careful monitoring.
Contractors who had hoped to see the demise of IR35 may be interested to learn that the PCG is to be part of the new IR35 Forum.
Umbrella company contractors may already be aware that some industry sectors are doing better than others. Prospects in the IT and telecoms sector for example are blooming whilst public sector opportunities are diminishing fast for obvious reasons.
Umbrella company contractors that have spent the majority of their time working in the public sector may need to learn a new language if they want to survive in the business world.
Whilst employees throughout the UK will be rejoicing at the thought of two consecutive long weekends this month, businesses and umbrella companies need to plan early for the closures.
When he delivered his budget speech last week, the Chancellor announced that 21 enterprise zones were to be created rather than the originally planned 10. Businesses moving into one of these will receive discounts of up to 100% on their rates, superfast broadband and enhanced capital allowances where the zone focuses on manufacturing.
The CBI has welcomed the government’s new StartUp Britain campaign saying it could encourage more people to set up their own business.
The economic recovery in Scotland faltered during the bad weather last December, according to Lloyds TSB’s Scotland Business Monitor.
Umbrella company contractors need to be aware that HMRC is going to clamp down hard on employment benefit trust schemes. EBTS’s are now considered by the government to be a form of disguised remuneration.
Nearly 80% of IT directors believe private sector workers provide better value.
Recruiters have reported that temporary workers and umbrella company contractors are now reluctant to travel long distances to get to work due to the increasing cost of fuel.
Freelancers with digital skills could be one group to benefit from the government’s public sector cuts.
As budget day looms ever closer, various organisations have been urging the government to create an environment that supports entrepreneurs, small businesses and umbrella company contractors.
