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.
Marginal GDP rise takes us back to where we were 6 months ago
Figures released last Wednesday showed a 0.5% increase in GDP in the first quarter of 2011. This balanced out the drop of 0.5% in the final quarter of last year, which was blamed on the abnormal weather we saw in December.
Increase in fraud amongst public sector workers
Public sector financial crime is on the increase and, according to a new report from PwC, this is more likely to be an inside job than the work of an external criminal.
Are we set for a “brain drain” of top executives?
It would appear that people seeking executive jobs in the UK are not as confident that Britain is “open for business” as the Chancellor is.
North wins the first round battle for regional growth funding
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.
Is it time to learn a new language?
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.
Umbrella company IT contractors provide good value for money
Nearly 80% of IT directors believe private sector workers provide better value.
Ex-public sector workers are suffering from low self esteem
It will come as no surprise to read that morale in the public sector is low.
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.
Private sector hiring intentions are on the rise
Contractors may be interested to learn that the latest Employment Outlook Survey from Manpower predicts that hiring will increase slightly in Q2. The survey reveals that the seasonally adjusted net outlook for employment is +2%.
Do HMRC provide umbrella companies with a poor service?
It will probably come as no surprise to umbrella company contractors to learn that complaints against HMRC have increased dramatically over the last couple of years.
Do umbrella company contractors need language lessons?
Contractors who have been used to public sector working will need to learn private sector language if they become victims of the government spending cuts.
