Travel and subsistence expenses guidelines for umbrella companies
On Tuesday the government published their proposed amendments to the travel and subsistence expenses scheme for workers receiving the National Minimum Wage.
umbrella companies
Cable to clamp down on banks that do not lend to SMEs
SMEs and umbrella companies have been struggling to get much needed finance from the banks and Vince Cable has now put forward the government’s proposals to force the banks to make more funds available for small companies.
Recruitment for HR professionals is on the up
Robert Walters, a specialist recruitment agency, says that the HR sector is now actively looking for people with human resources and corporate responsibility skills. This should come as positive news for contractors who possess the requisite skill set.
Small businesses are feeling less than optimistic
The Voice of Small Business Index shows that confidence amongst SMEs deteriorated in the 2nd quarter of 2010.
Great month for umbrella company IT contractors
Last month saw a surge in the number of IT contractors hired according to Powerchex, the pre-employment specialist. Between May and June, the amount of employment offers made to IT contractors soared by a massive 320%.
Contractors and freelancers help employment figures
The latest employment statistics from the ONS showed a rise in the number of people who are working and this rise is in part attributable to an increase in the number of umbrella company contractors.
Confusion still reigns over Agency Workers Regulations
De Poel, the temporary procurement agency, says that industry ambassadors and the British press need to get their facts right in light of rumours that the coalition government intends to water down some of the Agency Workers Regulations.
Government cost cutting to harm contractors?
The government’s public sector spending cuts will affect everybody including IT contractors and suppliers.
Recruitment licensing decision to benefit umbrella company contractors?
The REC has won a victory in its fight to persuade the government not to extend the Gangmaster Licensing Authority.
Prospects looking good for IT contractors
Umbrella company IT contractors may want to consider moving to the capital or the south-east of England in their bid to secure a contract.
Is my umbrella company financially stable?
1% fewer companies became insolvent in the 2nd quarter compared to the 1st quarter of 2010 according to the latest analysis from PricewaterhouseCoopers. 3,467 businesses became insolvent during the period, a drop of 28% from the same quarter last year.
Recovery still has a long way to go
The managing economist at the CEBR, Charles Davis, has cautioned umbrella company contractors that whilst the economy in the UK is recovering, the recovery is not yet robust.
Will HMRC helpline changes affect umbrella companies?
The Low Income Tax Reform Group believes that HMRC’s decision to reduce the opening hours of its helpline will hamper it in its long term aim to move to online services.
Recruiters against licensing
The REC is calling for the current enforcement mechanism for the recruitment sector to be protected and enhanced.
What will umbrella companies submit to ‘Your Freedom’?
The coalition launched its ‘Your Freedom’ website last Thursday; a move that has been welcomed by the FSB.
Computer game contractors affected by tax break loss
The government’s decision to scrap video game tax relief has caused both Sony and Activision Blizzard to reconsider investing further in the UK, a development that could affect umbrella company contractors.