Drop in unemployment welcomed but the trend must continue
The FSB recently welcomed the news that unemployed dropped by 88,000 and that a similar number of people entered the workplace.
FSB
EU is relying on small businesses to drive recovery
The small business sector is crucial to EU growth, according to Helena Walsh, the Brussels regional director for Cicero Consulting.
Public sector strike action could affect umbrella company contractors
Freelancers, contractors and small business owners may want to make preparations so that they are not affected by public sector strikes.
Small businesses want to see a reduction in employers NICs
A new survey from the FSB confirms that small businesses would be more willing to take on staff if the coalition reduced employers National Insurance Contributions.
Should flexible working be the norm not the exception?
Umbrella contractors will be interested to learn that Maria Miller, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has said that flexible working should be thought of as a normal way of working.
Transitional jobs market good news for contractors
The current transitional jobs market could prove to be a godsend for umbrella company contractors.
Employers are still keen to make use of contractors
Umbrella company contractors will no doubt be relieved to learn that confidence is improving amongst small business owners.
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.
How will new employment laws affect umbrella companies?
More than half of UK businesses, including umbrella companies, are concerned that changes to employment law will damage their business, according to a new survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce.
Has the budget created stability for umbrella contractors?
The FSB claims the Chancellor missed a golden opportunity to boost the creation of jobs when he delivered his budget on Wednesday.
Prospects are good for contractors with digital skills
Freelancers with digital skills could be one group to benefit from the government’s public sector cuts.
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.
HMRC should rethink its Business Records Check programme
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland has claimed that HMRC’s proposals to check SME and umbrella company record keeping are flawed.
FSB speaks out during National Apprenticeship Week
This week is National Apprenticeship Week and the FSB has taken the opportunity to urge the coalition to remove some of the barriers stifling job creation, to enable more businesses to take on apprentices.
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.
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.