Are the government increasing the North/South divide?
We are likely to witness a new North/South divide, courtesy of the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, according to thinktanks and unions.
What’s the economic outlook ahead for umbrella companies?
Our economy should escape a double dip recession, but we will see growth slow down, according to the BCC.
High business rates are crippling British businesses
Business rates have increased dramatically even though the previous government pledged to help companies through the recession.
Bad news for IT contractors working at Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group recently announced it was to cut jobs, a move that will affect 1,150 umbrella company and limited company IT contractors in the UK.
IT outsourcing continues to rise despite the economic crisis
Despite the economic downturn, IT outsourcing has increased, according to a study by Computer Economics. Since the recession started, companies have increased the amount they spend on outsourcing services.
Interim managers may be being too pessimistic
Contractors working in the retail sector have seen their rates slashed since the recession began, according to Interim Partners’ director of retail and consumer.
Should umbrella company contractors be saving or spending?
Last week, the Bank of England controversially hinted that we should be spending rather than saving.
Mixed predictions on the future of the economy
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research think tank predicts that the UK’s economy will increase by 1.3% this year. In 2011, GDP will grow by 1.7% followed by an increase of 2.2% in 2012.
FSB calls for more competition in the banking sector
The FSB is asking the government to do more to encourage competition in the banking sector. There have been concerns that the current lack of competition could lead us back into recession.
Good news for UK contractors
According to new data released from the British Chambers of Commerce, contractors across many UK industries may be in for some good news: the BCC predicts that British GDP will rise by 1.7 per cent this year and 2.2 per cent the following year.
Just waiting for the worst. It might be yet to come
New data collected by a recruitment financer has revealed that the most deleterious effects of the global economic downturn are still to come for small and medium sized businesses.
Economic recovery in Scotland to slow down this autumn
The chief economist at the Bank of Scotland has predicted that the Scottish economic recovery is going to slow down in Q3.
Doom and gloom for public sector umbrella company contractors
The chief executive of Hays, Alistair Cox, has some worrying news for those in the public sector who work through umbrella companies and are worried about the loss of their contract.
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.
Contractor job market recovery continues
The latest London Employment Monitor from Morgan McKinley shows a 7% month on month increase in new City jobs, and a 71% rise on July last year.
What do the latest employment figures mean for umbrella company contractors?
On Wednesday, the ONS revealed that unemployment in the UK had fallen for the second consecutive month, but candidates and employers still remain cautious.