All-party parliamentary group investigates freelancing
Contractors may be interested to learn that MPs from all the UK’s main political parties have pledged to address the false perceptions that exist around freelance contracting.
David Gauke states his commitment to overhauling IR35
HMRC should focus on detecting genuine cases of disguised employment rather than jumping to the conclusion that all freelancers are subject to IR35 rules, according to the REC.
There are more female interims now than ever before
The number of women taking on interim assignments, some through umbrella companies, has risen to an all time high, according to the latest market audit from the IMA.
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.
PM vows to create more opportunities for contractors
David Cameron has vowed that the government will focus on job creation in 2011.
Overseas tax havens may not be as safe as tax evaders hope
Umbrella company contractors and other freelance workers have been warned to be cautious of schemes that claim to be HMRC approved, when really they are referring to the reference number allocated to a scheme.
Freelancers must plan ahead
Umbrella company contractors should start considering their retirement now. Recent research, carried out by Defaqto, shows that 44% of adults in the UK are not confident that they will be able to sustain a reasonable standard of living once they retire. That’s a rise from 38% last year.
Interim managers are vital for SMEs to flourish
Umbrella company freelance managers have a vital role to play in encouraging small business growth and profitability, according to Doug Baird, the MD of Interim Partners.
PAYE employees suffer from training burn out
Umbrella company contractors should consider themselves lucky not to have to undergo the sort of company training that many PAYE employees undergo, which often has no underlying purpose.
Employment index shows signs of growth
There are more opportunities available for IT contractors according to the latest Monster employment Index report. 11% additional vacancies were advertised online in May compared to the previous month.
Entrepreneurial freelancers find opportunities in recession
Small business entrepreneurs are feeling optimistic about the end of the recession as they expect profitability and revenue to increase despite the anticipated rise in tax, regulation and minimum wage.
