More than 160 onerous regulations to be axed
Vince Cable has announced that the coalition intends to scrap or simplify in excess of 160 onerous regulations to free contractors and small businesses from unnecessary bureaucracy.
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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.
Time for umbrella company contractors to learn about the AWR?
Last week, the REC attended an Agency Work seminar run by the JSB, which provided up-to-date insights on how leading organisations are gearing up for the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations.
Recruitment agencies can help government ICT strategy
The government must make good on its promise to open up the market if recruitment agencies are to help implement its ICT strategy, according to the REC Technology group.
NHS Trusts expenditure on umbrella company locums increases dramatically
The Royal College of Surgeons warns that government cutbacks have led to some hospitals using inexperienced locum surgeons as consultants. As well as a lack of experience, the organisation says some foreign locums do not have a good grasp of the English language.
90% of employers still to set a plan for implementing AWR
The majority of employers are still not prepared for the impact the Agency Workers Regulations will have on their business, according to a new survey from the REC.
How secure is your umbrella company contract?
Recent research conducted by HSBC has discovered that 29% of people in the UK think their job is not secure over the next year and 37% believe the same will be true over the next three years.
Public sector pay comes under the spotlight
Umbrella company contractors may be interested to learn that public sector pay has risen at a faster rate than it has in the private sector.
REC calls for clarification of AWR in education sector
The REC has called on the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to provide increased clarity over the way the AWR will operate in the education sector.
Transitional jobs market good news for contractors
The current transitional jobs market could prove to be a godsend for umbrella company contractors.
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.
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.
The Agency Workers Regulations are causing concern for umbrella companies
Lawspeed, the recruitment law specialist firm, claims there could be a conflict of interest between HR and finance departments when the Agency Workers Regulations are enforced in October this year.
REC plans pensions auto-enrolment workshop next month
As from October 2012, employers, including umbrella companies, will need to enrol their staff in a pensions scheme automatically.
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.
Will ICT rules benefit umbrella company contractors?
The annual immigration cap came into force earlier this month and the REC has warned that the use of ICTs needs careful monitoring.