MoD should revamp the way it deals with SMEs and contractors
Small businesses, including limited company contractors, could benefit if the Ministry of Defence rethinks the way it deals with SMEs, according to a new report by the FSB.
contractors
Countdown to stronger fines make it a good time to find a reputable umbrella company
Contractors might be interested to learn that HMRC is going to impose penalties of up to 200% on individuals found guilty of tax and capital gains evasion.
HMRC staff still receive high bonuses despite blunders
Despite various blunders by HMRC last year that affected umbrella company contractors, the department still spent nearly £800,000 more on bonus payments to staff than it paid out the previous year.
REC welcomes government plans to reform the tribunal system
The government has confirmed that it will reform the tribunal system in the UK, a decision that has been welcomed by the REC.
IT contractors have many reasons for optimism
Confidence amongst IT contractors working in financial services has increased dramatically over the last year as banks carry on ploughing money into IT investment, new research shows.
Will NHS reforms benefit umbrella company contractors?
More than 75% of the top interim managers in the NHS believe the government’s efficiency savings will impact negatively on the delivery of frontline services, according to Interim Partners.
Confidence abounds amongst IT contractors
Umbrella company IT contractors have entered 2011 with increased confidence, according to the most recent IT Employee Confidence Index.
Did bad weather affect umbrella company contractors?
The freezing December weather caused 38% of small businesses to close and a further 41% to operate without their full complement of staff. The cost to the small business sector was in the region of £2.1bn.
Do employees have too many rights?
The Institute of Employment Rights is concerned about the government’s proposed “employer’s charter”, currently under consideration.
Mixed picture for umbrella company contractors in financial services
December saw a decline of 21% in the number of job offers confirmed in the City, according to Powerchex, the pre-employment screening firm.
Opportunities for contractors continue to rise
Umbrella company contractors will be pleased to learn that the number of vacancies for temporary staff continued to increase last month.
Flexible working lowers stress levels
Dr Ken Beaumont from Workforce Logistics has confirmed what umbrella company contractors have long known; flexible working lowers stress levels!
Local councils might outsource to IT umbrella contractors
2011 could be a busy year for the UK’s small business technology sector as councils struggle to cope with the public sector spending cuts.
Would a fuel duty stabiliser help umbrella company contractors?
In its election manifesto, the Conservative party promised to implement a fuel duty stabiliser and the FSB is urging them put it in place as soon as possible.
IT contractors could benefit if SMEs outsource
Advice website Smarta.com has predicted that small businesses could increasingly outsource some of their workloads this year and this could benefit umbrella company contractors.
HMRC crack down on unscrupulous umbrella companies
Amendments to the National Minimum Wage Regulations came into force on the 1st of January this year and umbrella company contractors should be aware of their implications.