Employment is up but small businesses still need more support
The latest employment statistics, released by the ONS last week, showed a 0.1% decrease in the unemployment rate.
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Will the National Loan Guarantee Scheme help contractors?
The National Loan Guarantee Scheme may be just the thing to help small businesses access cheaper finance and create more opportunities for umbrella company contractors.
Are scrooge employers alienating their staff this Christmas?
The Forum of Private Business is warning companies that they could alienate their workers, including umbrella contractors, if they scrap this year’s office Christmas party.
Tesco opts for Swedish derogation model
Umbrella company contractors are no doubt well aware of the Agency Workers Directive that came into effect at the beginning of October.
Overseas investors deterred by excessive UK bureaucracy
Red tape is putting a lot of organisations off investing in the UK, according to recent research from BDO.
REC says something must be done about youth unemployment
After last week’s disappointing jobs statistics showed that youth unemployment is still increasing, the REC has called on the business community to become involved in proactive initiatives such as the Youth Employment Charter.
Government announces 13 remaining Enterprise Zones
Umbrella contractors may be interested to learn that the government recently disclosed the locations of the remaining 13 English Enterprise Zones that it hopes will help kick-start economic growth.
Umbrella company contractors – is your client going to close this year?
New research from Aviva shows that around 10% of small firms in the UK are worried they might have to close this year if trading conditions do not improve.
Will umbrella companies benefit from the LEP network?
Eric Pickles, the Communities and Local Government Secretary announced last week that the British Chambers of Commerce will have sole responsibility for uniting the network of local enterprise partnerships.
George Osborne must deliver a small business friendly Budget
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.
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.
SMEs face a challenging few years
The FPB has warned small firms that they will face a number of challenges over the next few years.
High business rates are crippling British businesses
Business rates have increased dramatically even though the previous government pledged to help companies through the recession.
Contractors may have to wait longer for settlement
Rather than reversing the trend for late payments, a new directive from the EU could actually make matters worse, according to the FPB.
Who will police the police over late payments?
The latest public body to come under fire for late payment of invoices is the police force.